DARYL Murphy spared his blushes – and saved his week – with a winner against MK Dons.

The Irishman grabbed his 100th goal in English football in the 92nd minute of Saturday’s game, just moments after missing a penalty.

And the striker admitted after the final whistle that he could hear the knives sharpening after Lee Nicholls had dramatically saved his spot kick in the final minute of normal time.

“That would have ruined my whole week, to be honest, if we’d have drawn that game,” he told The Bolton News. “That’s football for you – the emotions, devastated one minute and then buzzing the next.

“I can imagine what was about to be said about me - but I managed to make amends and get the goal. I just needed one more chance.”

Murphy’s 100 was scored for Sunderland (14), Ipswich (67), Newcastle (5), Nottingham Forest (11) and Bolton (3) – three of which were from the spot.

His miss was only the second of his career, and Murphy remembers the first only too well.

“I remember one for Ipswich against Leeds,” he said. “I think it was 2-1 at the time and we could have gone level but the keeper saved it. Let’s say Mick McCarthy wasn’t too happy with it.”