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.

Photo: Action Images

rhubard added 19:21 - Jun 13 Very impressive performance...time to recharge those batteries tho
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jas0999 added 19:37 - Jun 13 A decent performance, but Murphy is a striker who has still yet to score for his country. Again tonight, he had chances and failed to take them. Not easy chances, but ones you have to take at this level. It was a very good header to assist in the first goal, but suspect Murph will be disappointed he didn't score that chance himself. Great work rate and all action performance, but will need to score goals to keep his place.

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dav86 added 19:56 - Jun 13 How in the hell does Russell Martin start ahead off Christophe Berra
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runningout added 20:07 - Jun 13 must be decent in training...
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topguy added 20:24 - Jun 13 Right from the off we can all agree no way was he worth 2.5 mill worth double if there talking huge amounts for some older players these days time to stop being fleeced we aint in administration these days pay or move along.
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rhubard added 20:29 - Jun 13 O'Neil will be more than chuffed with Murphs performance (if not the result). His job was getting Ireland up the pitch, gaining territorial advantage and bringing others into the game (i.e. the goal) and winning set pieces...He couldn't have done more given the support he had from team mates. Shane Long will (and rightly so) be judged on goal output as he adds little else.

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wellingtonboot added 10:21 - Jun 14 Dav85 maybe it's because Scotland play with a left and right footed centre-halves. Russell Martin is right footed.
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