His contributions proved decisive in helping Ireland to reach a 2018 FIFA World Cup playoff but at 34, Daryl Murphy called time on his international career last week.
As the Waterford native concentrates on club commitments with Nottingham Forest, he joined his former Ireland team-mate keith Andrews to talk about his decision and more.
"Obviously with the result against Denmark, I had a lot of time to reflect," he told The Keith Andrews Show.
"With time gone past, I spoke to my family first and friends. I just think at the age I'm at, the body needs a rest. I think the internationals are just a bit too much for me at this stage of my career."
On the 5-1 result against Denmark, Murphy admitted it "still hurts" and doesn't envisage that emotion changing with the passing of time.
Nottingham Forest's Daryl Murphy (left) and Norwich City's Grant Hanley battle for the ball. Joe Giddens/EMPICS Sport
Murphy also discussed a relatively sporadic international career that started in 2007 and lasted 11 years in all but only yielded 27 caps in that time. He spoke of his regrets during that time.
"Just disappointed really in the manner of what way it came about, from being in the squad and coming on literally as first choice sub in games to the next squad not even being in it," he said, referencing a period without winning a single cap between 2008 and 2014.
"It hurt a lot after that because obviously I take great pride in playing for my country as anyone does but that hurt a little bit. It was a sting in the tail for me that, not to be in the squad at all from going from first choice sub but I took it on the chin."
He added of the Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni who was in charge during his period in virtual international wilderness: "Under that manager I was never going to get back in really and it's until Martin came in that gave me a chance".
