Starting spot is aim for Murphy
NEWCASTLE United youngster Alex Murphy is confident he can kick on and challenge for a starting place in Eddie Howe’s first-team on Tyneside.
The Irish youngster, 19, played just 11 minutes of Premier League football for the Magpies last term but has impressed behind the scenes following his arrival from Galway United. Murphy put pen to paper on a new contract earlier this year and is poised for extra opportunity in and amongst the senior side next season.
Meanwhile, Howe has prioritised the arrival of additional centre-back options this summer given lengthy injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, with Newcastle targeting a double free agent swoop of Tosin Adarabioyo and Lloyd Kelly before the window had even opened. Adarabioyo ultimately snubbed Newcastle in favour of a move to Chelsea, while talks with Kelly remain ongoing.
Murphy’s progression to becoming a first-team regular, however, would ease the pressure on Howe seeking outside options to bolster his backline, potentially saving the club millions in the process.
Speaking to the Irish Independent about his ascension to the first-team last season, Murphy said: “It was mad. I had been on the bench a couple of times before that [debut vs Chelsea] and was just itching to get on.
“It was a massive moment for my family and I. It’s really what you dream of when you’re younger.
“I’ve been training with them since before Christmas, so it [the new contract] shows they are happy with me. They want me to push on. I feel I can do that and push for a starting place in the team.
“The Premier League is probably the best level in the world.
“It has been a big step up, but I’m enjoying it.”