What a time to get your first international goal!
Daryl Murphy proved an unlikely saviour in a rain-soaked Belgrade when he took full advantage of a beautiful delivery into the Serbian box to ensure the Republic of Ireland got at least a point on the board in their bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Ireland took an early lead via a deflected Jeff Hendrick shot before they folded under repeated waves of Serbia pressure, finding themselves in a losing position as the final quarter ticked by.
Murphy entered the fray after the hosts’ second, with Martin O’Neill hopeful that the newly signed Newcastle forward would get his head to a ball in the area.
When Robbie Brady’s perfectly weighted corner was sent towards the penalty spot, all 6 foot 3 inches of Murphy peeled off his marker and duly got his noggin behind the ball.
And there was only one outcome!
2-2.
It could have been better. It could have been worse. But, given the conditions, you’d take the draw.
This lot certainly did.
Great timing #murphy 👍👍👍
— Darran O'Sullivan (@Darransull86) September 5, 2016
Rafa's a genius.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) September 5, 2016
Yes Murphy you little beauty!!!! 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪
— Stephanie Zambra (@StephanieRoche9) September 5, 2016
Not sure we deserve that but who gives a s#*t 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) September 5, 2016
Great header!! #COYBIG
— Rob Timony (@RobTimony) September 5, 2016
Go get the winner now!
— Andy Lee (@AndyLeeBoxing) September 5, 2016
#PostYourMurphyDoubts pic.twitter.com/KxgZzoorGv
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) September 5, 2016
https://twitter.com/Pendred/status/772893443836248064
MURPHY 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪
— Pat Murray (@patmurray723) September 5, 2016
