Daryl Murphy says replacing Robbie Keane will take time for Republic of Ireland

Ipswich striker Daryl Murphy believes it will take the Republic of Ireland some time to find a goalscorer as prolific as Robbie Keane.

The 35-year-old captain boasts an impressive international scoring record having scored on 67 occasions in 143 appearances for Ireland.

Keane is confident there are more goals to come as he prepares for another major tournament at the European championships in France this summer.

As Ireland prepare for Euro 2016, Murphy considered the task of replacing the LA Galaxy striker in the national team.

"It should be exciting, but you'd want to be a very good striker to break Robbie's record. I can't really see that happening in the years to come," Murphy said.

"If there's a place there for grabs for any young lad coming through who wants to score goals, then you look up to people like Robbie. He's a legend.

"I have watched him all through his career and he has done brilliantly, so it would be a big ask."

Keane is no longer guaranteed a place in the Republic starting line-up, but remains a talismanic figure both on and off the pitch for his country.

"Still now, he is so sharp in his thinking - he is so sharp in the head that he knows exactly what is around him and what he is going to do before the ball even comes, and you see his finishing is still top-notch," Murphy added.

Daryl Murphy is still looking for his first Ireland goal

"You obviously learn from that. You watch him and see little things he does and try to do them yourself.

"He's always been a voice and influence in the changing room - that's just the way he is. He's brilliant with all the lads - anyone who comes into the squad from day one, he will talk to you and make you feel welcome, and that's brilliant for us to have.

"But he still offers us a lot. If you need a goal, there's only one man who can do that for you and he's proven that his whole career."

And 33-year-old Murphy concedes it has been frustrating looking for his first goal at international level, having won 20 caps.

He said: "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.

"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."