Ipswich Town will benefit from striker Daryl Murphy returning from Euro 2016 full of renewed confidence.

That’s according to Blues legend Kevin Beattie, who was delighted to see Murphy start and impress as Martin O’Neill’s men pulled off a shock 1-0 win against Italy on Wednesday night.

The ‘Boys in Green’ now face hosts France in the last 16 this afternoon (2pm) after they recovered from their slow start in Group E.

Murphy – who didn’t feature in the 1-1 draw with Sweden and 3-0 loss to Belgium – finished as the Championship’s 27-goal top-scorer in 2014/15 and promptly signed a new, improved two-year deal at Portman Road.

The 32-year-old’s performances didn’t quite hit the same heights last season though and he netted 10 times in 31 starts and four substitute appearances.

“He looked like the Murphy of 18 months ago on Wednesday night,” enthused Beattie.

“He was back to being strong, dominant in the air and a general handful for defenders.

“There’s no doubting that he didn’t reach the high standards that he set himself last season, but playing well at a major international tournament will do his confidence the world of good. He had a few knocks and niggles last season, so these extra games will help him return for pre-season match fit and ready to hit the ground running.

“And you can’t underestimate what it will do for his mindset too. He’ll return from France feeling 10 foot tall if he can keep up this form.”

Beattie continued: “Strikers are all about confidence. I played with some great strikers – Paul Mariner, Trevor Whymark and David Johnson – but if they weren’t scoring goals or performing like they could, then it got them down.

“If Daryl can get a lift from this tournament then it will be great for Ipswich because he’s such a key player for us.”

He added: “Can they beat France? Well they are the hosts, the favourites and a tremendous side, but who knows in football?

“The underdogs have been doing great in this competition so far.”