Galway man Alex Murphy has come in for massive praise from Newcastle supporters, following his extended cameo in their pre-season fixture against Chelsea yesterday.
The 19-year-old defender was introduced after just 33 minutes, replacing the injured Fabian Schar, and nearly scored with a header during what was an assured performance at the back.
An Ireland U19 international, Murphy made the move to Newcastle last summer - after making 30 First Division appearances - and judging by his post-match comments, he is eyeing more significant game time this season.
Yeah, I don't think it can get much bigger than that to be fair, a team like Chelsea. It's massive.
Obviously, I didn't start the game, and I wasn't expecting to come on as early as I did but once I heard I was coming on, I was absolutely buzzing.
I was obviously nervous, but when you get on the pitch, it's just another game really, like you're playing with your friends at home.
It was an unbelievable test to see [how you can fare] up against players who are playing top level in the Premier League. Unbelievable experience.
Newcastle Fans Were More Than Impressed With Alex Murphy
Alex Murphy has been superb when he came on after Schär had a knock, a top prospect in the RCB position. 🌟🧠 #NUFC
Bossed every 1v1 challenge and made a few important interceptions. pic.twitter.com/kzX4f8vnXN— NUFCTalk 🥇 (@Newcastle_FC) July 27, 2023
🇮🇪 Went under the radar with how good Lewis Miley was last night but what a great shift by Alex Murphy. Looked assured, solid and not out of place at all.
Another brilliant prospect on our hands here!👏#NUFC #NUFCFans #Newcastle #Galway pic.twitter.com/T1F1PMAjtr
— Magpie 24/7 (@Magpie24_7) July 27, 2023
"Unbelievable, I can't thank my experiences with Galway enough" 🇱🇻
Alex Murphy speaks to NUFCTV about a fantastic performance against Chelsea and how playing with Galway United helped shape his career 📈#ItsATribalThing | @NUFC pic.twitter.com/5sRZbwCo7l
— Gaillimh Aontaithe (@GalwayUnitedFC) July 27, 2023
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"I can't thank Galway enough, like,"added Murphy.
"I was there for two years, I went in when I was 16, and learning off pros there every day is just so valuable, and then when you step in with these lads it's a step up again.
"But, yeah it's unbelievable training with the seniors every day, you learn so much and you have to be on it every day.
"Hopefully [I] get more minutes, just impress again. Do my best and get in the manager's head and just make an impression."
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