The memory of playing a part in the Republic of Ireland’s impressive displays at Euro 2016 will live long in the memory of Town striker Daryl Murphy.

But he is hoping that won’t be his first and last experience of an international tournament, with the 2018 World Cup finals an obvious target for him and his fellow countrymen.

Murphy will be 35 by then but has no intention of retiring from the international scene and admits he has his sights firmly set on Russia.

He said: “My involvement in France this summer has only whetted my appetite. I’ve always said I intend to play for as long as I can and as long as I’m wanted in the Ireland set-up, so hopefully I can do that. I don’t have any plans to retire — as long as they want me I’ll be ready.”

Murphy played in the 1-0 defeat of Italy in the final group game and again in the 2-1 defeat by the hosts in the round of 16 but reflected: “It was brilliant, especially to play, be a part of some decent results and do as well as we did.

“After the second group game against Belgium I think everyone knew we were going to make a few changes, but we didn’t know what they were going to be.

“It wasn’t until literally and hour and a half before the Italy game that I knew I was starting.

“You always prepare yourself as if you are starting, just in case you are, so I was ready to go and really looking forward to it — just itching to get on the pitch really.

“I wasn’t nervous before the Italy game. You go there hoping and knowing you might get a chance so you have to be fully focused and ready, which I was. I was raring to go.”

Murphy came up against a galaxy of stars in the clash with France, including Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, who looks destined to become the world’s most expensive player if his £100 million move to Manchester United finally goes through.

So what were the Town player’s impressions? He said: “Pogba’s a very good player, even if I did beat him in the air a few times.

“That was a tough game for us and you could see the quality they had all through the team and the bench. Pogba’s a top player.
“But the player who really stood out for me was probably [Antoine] Griezmann.

“He edged it because of his awareness and how sharp he was. He was great at anticipating balls and it was obviously great experience for me to be so close to players of such stature. You learn from stuff like that.

“I didn’t swap shirts with anyone. I didn’t hunt anyone down. The kit man gave me a shirt but I wasn’t going to go looking for any.”

Photo: Action Images

BrettenhamBlue added 11:57 - Aug 5 I wonder whose shirt the kit man gave him?
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bluefeast added 12:22 - Aug 5 Probably the keepers as none ever want that.
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miltonsnephew added 19:08 - Aug 5 Murphys focus should be 100 per cent on doing well at Ipswich and if that happens he won't have to worry about the World Cup, he'll already be in the team!
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