Daryl Murphy was part of the Republic of Ireland side beaten by Denmark in the World Cup play-offs
Nottingham Forest forward Daryl Murphy says Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off defeat by Denmark left him "mentally drained".
Martin O'Neill's side missed out on Russia 2018 after a 5-1 loss in Dublin.
Murphy, who was rested for Forest's weekend defeat by Birmingham, returned to the team on Tuesday and scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Norwich.
"You could say it was mentally draining but I have felt the benefits of the rest," he told BBC Radio Nottingham.
"It was hard and obviously to lose was devastating for us. We are all absolutely gutted. We went away and got a good draw and back in Dublin we made a good start but it wasn't to be."
The 34-year-old is Forest's leading scorer this season with seven Championship goals having joined in the summer from Newcastle United.
But the former Ipswich striker says he cannot push himself too hard throughout the course of the season.
"At my age it is very difficult to play every game in the season, especially they way the games are here on Tuesday and Saturday," Murphy added.
"I had a chat with the gaffer (Mark Warburton) and he's been brilliant with me since I got here, so I took a rest and a few days off and I felt fresh against Norwich.
"I want to play every game I can but I know my body and I am old enough now to know when I can do more. It is about being clever I think, seeing what games we have and being 100%."
Source: bbc.com