Murphy hoping to break his duck in France

Republic of Ireland striker Daryl Murphy admits he would dearly love to score his first international goal at Euro 2016 in France.

The Ipswich Town striker found himself up the pecking order with boss Martin O’Neill as the Irish booked their European Championship slot, but Murphy, 33, has yet to find the net during his 20-cap run in a green shirt.

With the likes of Shane Long and Jon Walters in good scoring form, and veteran talisman Robbie Keane still a capable threat from the bench, Murphy knows that he needs to prove himself on the big stage.

Despite having passed up decent chances to register his international breakthrough, Murphy tries not to let it affect his confidence. “It is frustrating, but it’s part and parcel of football.

There’s obviously a reason I have not scored – I have had some decent chances and the keeper has saved it or I’ve hit the post or something like that,” he admitted. “But you always think as a striker that you’re going to get a chance and you’ll score.

You can’t dwell on it too much. If I did that, I think my confidence would be shattered. “But I don’t think too much about it. Hopefully if I play, I’ll get one.” O’Neill’s team will face Sweden in their Euro 2016 Group E opener in Paris on June 13.

The Republic must also play Belgium and Italy in France. Ireland are 13.00 to defeat the Swedes 2-0 at the Stade de France.