Daryl Murphy made sure his first goal for the Republic Of Ireland was a special one by scoring the equaliser in the 80th minute in the World Cup qualifier against Serbia.

His header, just five minutes after coming off the bench, basically saved the game for Ireland as it made the final score 2-2.

(Nick Potts/PA)

The unexpected saviour swiftly began receiving lots of praise on Twitter …

Yes Daryl Murphy ( I can't believe I just said that) 😂🇮🇪 #ROI

— Alex Lucy (@NcfcAlexLucy) September 5, 2016

Would you believe it – Daryl Murphy!! Finally ends the drought!

— Busby Boy (@Creje7) September 5, 2016

Literally was slagging off #DarylMurphy when sub was announced… proved me wrong… great first goal for #Ireland pic.twitter.com/pdyvQNFAbK

— Jack John (@Jack_John_) September 5, 2016

Hope Martin O'Neill reads all the #IRE fans tweeting him abuse for bringing Daryl Murphy on. Did so well to salvage a point. #IreVSerbia

— Steve Creek (@steve_creek) September 5, 2016

… which was in stark contrast to some of the things people were saying about him before he scored.

Why Daryl Murphy??? He's never scored for Ireland

— Staffy (@stafford_cian) September 5, 2016

2-1 down and they bring on Daryl Murphy 🙈🙈🙈 better off putting John o shea up front #srbvirl #COYBIG #ireland

— David Field (@field1985) September 5, 2016

need a goal – bring on a striker, sounds good.
but when its Daryl Murphy, it sounds less good.

— GoonAFC (@GunnerAB10) September 5, 2016

Bad state of affairs when you bring on Daryl Murphy to find an equaliser 🙈 please score Daryl now that I've slagged you off #COYBIG

— Chris Morrow (@ChrisMorrow44) September 5, 2016

Funny how people change their mind, isn’t it?