Town striker Daryl Murphy will be hoping to keep his place in the Republic of Ireland side which faces Bosnia-Herzegovina in the second leg of their Euro 2016 play-off at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin this evening (Sky Sports One, 7pm).

Murphy missed Sunday training as a precaution due to a minor calf injury sustained in Friday’s 1-1 first leg draw in Zenica but the problem isn’t expected to keep him out of tonight's match.

The 32-year-old - who is still without an international goal having now won 18 full caps - is thought likely to start despite having greater competition for his place in the side with Shane Long training on Sunday after an ankle injury, while former Blues skipper Jon Walters is available following a one-match ban.

Murphy had few if any opportunities during Friday’s game but anticipates more if he plays tonight.

“I think, especially at home, we’ll go out and attack more and create more chances,” he said.

“There weren’t many chances in that game and one we got, Robbie [Brady] took. I think I said last week that it would be a decent result – that we could at least bring something back and make sure we didn’t lose it here. That was the most important thing – to take something back to Dublin.

“It probably wasn’t the best game in the world but I think it’s a good result for us. We were a bit disappointed to concede the goal such a short space of time after taking the lead, but we still have it all to play for.

"We know the Irish fans will get behind us. Look at the Germany game – unbelievable atmosphere. I’m sure this will be even better.”

If Ireland beat the Bosnians - including former Town loan keeper Asmir Begovic - or draw 0-0 they will reach next summer’s tournament in France.

Manager Martin O’Neill says his side can’t look to sit back and draw the game: “The tie is finely balanced and we have to go for the win. That has to be the mindset.

“If we think that we can keep them out for 90 minutes and camp ourselves just outside our own penalty area, that would be a recipe for disaster.

“We have to consider being really on the front foot, genuinely, and going and trying to win this game, and that’s it.”

Town striker David McGoldrick was forced to drop out of the squad due to the groin injury which saw him miss the 5-2 victory at Rotherham last Saturday.

Photo: Action Images

GiveusaWave added 07:07 - Nov 16 Best of luck Ireland. Can't believe Mcgoldrick is injured yet again though. We seem to be having an injury hit season so far.
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ArnieM added 08:49 - Nov 16 Didsy is a sick note, just as he was for Forest. We missed the boat when Leicester came calling. If Walters is fit in can't see Murphy getting a lookin. Did he even get a shot on goal in their last game? I kept looking to see how he was doing on BBC stats but his name was never mentioned.
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Lathers added 12:24 - Nov 16 Murph did Ok, not a lot of service to him. Typical away performance, 1 up front and he was just closing down etc. Couldn't tell you what happened for most of the 2nd half as the fog was so bad. Hopefully Murph will start (and finally score for Ireland) and can see Shane Long coming on for him around 60 mins.
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runningout added 15:02 - Nov 16 can see Bosnia nicking it 2 nil. Ireland similar to England when it comes to coping with the mentality of expectation. Will be nice to be wrong...
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bluearmy84 added 16:31 - Nov 16 murphy had this calf problem start of season hope its not a reoccurance. speaking from experience these injuries are a nightmare hopefully hes ok, in all honesty id love to see rep ireland qualify and murphy to score but id sooner him rest tonight and back with us without a calf strain that could rule him out for 4 -6 weeks
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