Town striker Daryl Murphy could make his first appearance at Euro 2016 this afternoon when the Republic of Ireland take on Belgium in Bordeaux in their second game of the tournament (ITV from 1pm, KO 2pm).
With ex-Town skipper Jon Walters ruled out with the achilles injury he suffered prior to the start of the tournament Murphy could start, however, most of the Irish press is tipping West Brom's James McClean to be given the nod ahead of the Blues frontman and veteran skipper Robbie Keane [Edit: Stephen Ward has surprisingly been named as Walters's replacement].
But Murphy, an unused sub in the opening game, still seems likely to win his 22nd cap at some stage and if so will hope to finally net his first international goal.
BREAKING: The #IRL team to face Belgium has been announced! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/emwbbnkyCE– FAIreland (@FAIreland) June 18, 2016
Ireland, who will have been pleased to see Sweden lose 1-0 to Italy yesterday, are otherwise expected to be unchanged from their 1-1 draw with the Swedes.
The Italians are already through to the next stage having beaten the Belgians 2-0 in their opening Group E game.
Meanwhile, former Town winger Alex Henshall was banned from driving for six months by Ipswich magistrates yesterday.
The 22-year-old, who joined Kilmarnock late last season having settled his contract with the Blues in January, had been caught travelling at 53mph in Commercial Road, where the limit is 30mph, on September 7th last year.
Henshall, who didn’t appear in court but admitted the offence by letter, was also handed six penalty points and fined £395, as well as being ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge and court costs of £150.