Blues striker Daryl Murphy started for the Republic of Ireland and defender Christophe Berra came on as a late sub for Scotland as their sides drew this evening’s Euro 2016 qualifier 1-1 at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
Murphy, who was winning his 16th cap, helped create Ireland’s goal for ex-Town skipper Jon Walters in the 38th minute.
The Blues’ 27-goal Championship top scorer flicked on Robbie Brady’s corner from the right and the Stoke man netted from close range after Scotland keeper David Marshall had saved.
The Scots got back on terms two minutes after the restart when Shaun Maloney’s shot deflected into the net off John O'Shea.
Ireland put the visitors under pressure for much of the second half but were unable to break them down and Murphy, who was replaced by Shane Long with 10 minutes remaining, continues to look for his first international goal.
Berra came on to win his 30th Scotland cap in injury time, while striker David McGoldrick remained on the Ireland bench throughout and was unable to add to his two caps.
Murphy, McGoldrick, Berra and Kevin Bru, who is away with Mauritius ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Ghana, will all miss the beginning of pre-season with the Blues which starts in the final week of June.