Striker Daryl Murphy played the full 90 minutes and won his 18th cap as the Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina in the first leg of their Euro 2016 play-off in a very foggy Zenica.

During a second half which was played behind a thick veil of fog, Ireland took the lead in the 82nd minute via Robbie Brady but Edin Džeko hit back for the home side three minutes later.

Murphy played up front on his own and never really had a chance to break his international duck - as far as TV viewers could make out anyway - as he and his team-mates battled out a draw which makes them favourites to progress to next summer’s finals ahead of Monday’s second leg at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (Sky Sports One, 7pm).

There was one moment of concern for Blues boss Mick McCarthy in the 65th minute when the Town number nine spent a fair amount of time on the ground following a tackle from behind, however, he was eventually able to continue.

Meanwhile, Blues winger Dylan Connolly came on as a 65th minute sub and won his ninth cap as the Republic of Ireland U21s lost 3-1 to Lithuania in a Euro 2017 qualifier in Vilnius earlier in the evening, ending the game with 10 men after Fulham's Sean Kavanagh was red-carded.

Photo: Action Images

harlingblue added 23:33 - Nov 13 From what I saw on TV, Murphy was the attacking defender, never given the chance to attack.
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brian_a_mul added 08:22 - Nov 14 Battled hard, closed down well, had no service at all. Did what he was asked to do and did it well. Came deep and went wide to help midfield when out of possession. He deserves to start on Monday where he and Ireland will expect to be a threat in attack, hopefully we can see the real Murph
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PhilTWTD added 10:09 - Nov 14 harlingblue That's probably a good way of describing it, he did seem the most advanced of a massed defence for the most part. As far as was evident through the fog, of course. Was like the Veil Park match in 1998.
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yorksblue added 11:49 - Nov 14 Walters back on Monday
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Pilgrimblue added 12:23 - Nov 14 I guess that Ireland's plan worked and shame that they couldn't hold on. However it didnt suit Murphy who was isolated and I don't think played well enough to get start for second game. Would be great if he came on as sub and scored winner though
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IpswichT62OldBoy added 18:02 - Nov 14 This having to go two weeks between matches is dreadful, it has ruined my Saturday. That and the hurricane thingy.
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Pip50 added 19:21 - Nov 14 Watching England and then listening to Roy Hodgson reminds me of Mick. Talks a good game but when it comes down to the crunch doesn't have a flying fcuk!
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