Republic of Ireland: Daryl Murphy in line to face England

Daryl Murphy (centre) has scored 27 goals for Ipswich

Republic of Ireland striker Daryl Murphy could play against England and get a chance to impress before the Euro 2016 qualifying tie against Scotland.

The 32-year-old scored 27 goals to help Ipswich Town into the English Championship play-offs this season.

And, before Sunday's friendly in Dublin, Republic manager Martin O'Neill said: "Murphy has had a really good season with Ipswich.

"He's done very well. I would expect him to be on the field at some stage."

Murphy has yet to score in 14 international appearances, but O'Neill pointed out that the former Celtic striker had not always been unavailable to him in recent squads because of injury.

"The England game is such a big match that, if you can perform well, there's no reason you can't take that forward another six days," said the manager, whose side will play a home qualifier against Scotland on 13 June.

"We had a game against Northern Ireland on Thursday, which in terms of physical output was excellent for the players, particularly for the players who haven't played for quite considerable time.

"I might want to look at some players who have been around the side for a while and haven't played much but still with an eye on the Scotland game."

Stephen Ward has recovered from an ankle injury picked up in training

O'Neill reported a clean bill of health for his squad.

Norwich City midfielder Wes Hoolahan's arrival had been delayed by a family bereavement, while goalkeeper Darren Randolph has joined up with the squad after completing his move from Birmingham City to West Ham United.

Burnley left-back Stephen Ward was able to return to training after picking up an ankle knock in the training game with Northern Ireland that finished 0-0.

O'Neill admitted that his side, who sit fourth in Group D, had to defeat the Scots to keep their Euro 2016 qualifying hopes alive.

"Because we lost in Scotland, we have to try to redress the balance, we have to try to win the game," he said.

"Maybe it is a must-win game for us, but that sort of pressure goes with the game now."

O'Neill rejected the suggestion that his position was under threat, stressing that he was only five competitive games into a tenure that had team rebuilding as part of its goal.

Sunderland defender John O'Shea thought the Irish still had a "fantastic chance" to qualify for the finals in France.

"It is a fantastic game," he said of England's visit to the Aviva Stadium.

"We want to get a positive result and get a bit of confidence building up towards the big game against Scotland."