GARETH McAuley believes that his team-mate, Brian Murphy, is good enough to play for the Republic of Ireland .

Carl Marston

GARETH McAuley believes that his team-mate, Brian Murphy, is good enough to play for the Republic of Ireland .

However, McAuley recognises that it's going to be a big ask for Ipswich Town 's new keeper to dislodge Shay Given from the No.1 jersey.

Murphy is in Republic of Ireland 's squad to face Brazil in a glamorous friendly fixture at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium tonight, along with fellow keepers Given and Keiren Westwood.

It is unlikely that Murphy will get the nod this evening, but it's still a boost for the 26-year-old to be in the squad. Manager Giovanni Trapattoni called him up after namesake Joe Murphy, the Scunthorpe keeper, dropped out with a wrist injury.

McAuley believes that Town will benefit from Murphy's inclusion in the international squad, long-term, and that Given's presence should help him develop as a keeper.

"It should give him (Murphy) a lift, being called up by the Republic," insisted McAuley.

"And if he can take over from Shay Given, that will be some achievement. I'm sure he believes in himself that he can.

"It's going to add to Murph's experience, being in the same squad as a quality keeper like Shay Given.

"Murph's confident, he's vocal and he get his points across. It's good having him behind us.

"He's good with his feet as well, and he comes and catches things for us," added McAuley.

McAuley himself was hoping to be involved in an international friendly this week, but he has had to drop out of Northern Ireland 's squad for tomorrow evening's match against Armenia , due to a groin problem.

Murphy, meanwhile, is putting his club ahead of his country, despite the excitement of tonight's clash with Brazil .

The ex-Bohemians custodian was in the Republic's squad for the World Cup Qualifier play-off defeat at the hands of France earlier in the season, although he is yet to make his senior debut.

Closer to home, he has kept two clean-sheets in his first three appearances for Town, following a 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday, a

1-1 draw at Scunthorpe and last Saturday's goalless draw against Bristol City.

"I want to play for my country like any other player," said Murphy.

" Ireland have got some very good keepers, so there is plenty of competition, but if I can play regularly for Ipswich , it will improve my chances at international level."

Manchester City keeper Given has won more than 100 caps for Republic of Ireland .