Town striker Daryl Murphy is hoping to convince Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill to hand him his second successive international start when his side face Poland in their European Championships qualifier in Dublin on Sunday (Sky Sports 5, from 7.30pm).

The 32-year-old, who has previously won 14 full caps but is yet to open his international goals account, expects performances in training to come into O’Neill’s thinking when he picks his team.

“I think that's the case in any team. We've got a week here now, if I'm doing well for the week and Martin's looking and watching what I'm doing, then who knows,” he told extratime.ie.

“Hopefully my performances have shown that [I'm worth a start], but we've still got quality players in here that are playing at a higher level than I am.

“We've got good players here, I'm obviously happy to be in the squad and if I can come on and do something, then brilliant.”

Murphy started Ireland’s last game, a 4-1 home friendly victory over the USA, alongside debutant David McGoldrick, who misses the Poland game due to his thigh injury.

Town’s 23-goal Championship top scorer wasn’t happy with his performance in that game: “I thought I could've done better and maybe I should have scored, but it was encouraging to get that start.

“Obviously with David as well playing up front with me it was nice. As I said, we've a week now to prepare for the Poland game and I need to show what I can do during that week, and hopefully catch the eye.”

Ireland are currently fourth in Group D, three points behind the Poles, who lead, and equal on points with Germany and Scotland.

“I think there's still a lot to play for,” Murphy added. “This game coming now, we need to get a result. Especially at home, we want to put in a good performance and come out with something after the game.

“I wouldn't look too far beyond that, just look to the game on Sunday and see what we can do.”

Photo: Action Images

MickMillsTash added 22:05 - Mar 23 Take Care please
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bohslegend added 01:29 - Mar 24 Good Luck Murph! I'll be rooting for you from the Upper West Stand. COYBIG.
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oscarwhiting added 07:21 - Mar 24 just please don't get injured
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marcusevans added 09:02 - Mar 24 I mean this nicely, I hope they leave you on the bench!
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dirtydingusmagee added 10:02 - Mar 24 Town reach 2nd in Championship at mid season, everyone and their dog well pleased and thinking or hoping we get promoted .Then everything went base over apex , its hard playing in championship its taking a toll on team . Suddenly we need new players,our squad is too tired to keep it up . Mick should have used the transfer market ,we are doomed .Along comes the internationals [oh thats a break for the squad by the way], and hey ho half the players are in squad /teams and wanting to play for their country! ..............and after the internationals when everyone returns refreshed,without injuries, [REALLY]the team will be chomping at the bit to play out the remaining games which are vital . ......IM CONFUSED !

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blueherts added 11:42 - Mar 24 I thought MM had used the transfer market - not sure about anyone else but at about 444pm on Saturday standing watching Freddie and Chaplow bearing down on the Watford goal , I was pretty pleased he did Then of course we could have gambled it all - on three big ticket items , say , Bent , Ince and Lingeard , cos they will guarantee you automatic promotion ... oh wait , hold on . err no win in six ? I think we are doing just fine as we sit

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dirtydingusmagee added 08:47 - Mar 25 blueherts,im not saying he didnt, im just saying that these were the things being said at the time. .
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