Murphy at double for Ireland gaffer O’Neill

IRELAND ...... 2 MOLDOVA .... 0

DARYL MURPHY repaid Ireland manager Martin O’Neill’s faith in him after his double kept their World Cup dream alive.

The Nottingham Forest striker’s first-half goals against Moldova, who had Alexandru Gatcan sent off late on, sets up an intriguing must-win Group D clash in Wales on Monday.

Murphy was desperate to deliver as O’Neill started him with Shane Long on a night when he had no choice but to go for broke.

Murphy said: “I wanted to repay the boss for his faith in me. It’s a big night for me. Monday is massive. We will be ready.”

Murphy volleyed in the opener in two minutes after Stephen Ward’s long throw wasn’t dealt with.

He headed in to seal it in 19 minutes before Gatcan saw red in injury time after thrusting his head towards sub Harry Arter.