We’ve seen Alex Murphy step up and get some more opportunities in the first-team of late, and that’s been a good thing for Newcastle United regardless of why he’s actually getting more chances.
It’s safe to say Newcastle United are in the midst of an injury crisis right now. That situation has particularly affected the defence, but Eddie Howe and co. are ploughing through it the best they can.
How impressed were you by Alex Murphy against Fulham?
He's going to need to step up now 👀
With Tino Livramento out for a while and Lewis Hall also struggling for fitness regularly, it’s opened the door for Lewis Miley to step in at right-back, while Alex Murphy also got more minutes under his belt in midweek.
He could get more action now throughout the hectic festive period, and his rise through the ranks has also had a knock-on effect on other academy players.
Alex Murphy deserves his chance
Speaking to the Shields Gazette, Newcastle United youth coach Adam Lawrence had a lot to say about Murphy’s recent emergence and how it’s a bittersweet moment for the whole club.
He said: “People here will know Alex a lot better than me but I have definitely seen during the times he has played for the Under-21s that he does have good qualities and he has potential. It’s about making the most of those situations of course.
“If Lewis Hall is injured and Tino Livramento is out of the team for the same reason, they aren’t things you want because you want the best things for the manager and the first team. But those sort of situations do allow for the academy players to step up and Alex coming on the last part of the game against Fulham was a big plus.
“You prepare for that moment and then when it does come, it’s all about have you prepared yourself to perform in that moment and can you give a good impression of yourself. It was nice to see Alex get that moment, it was a good moment for him.”
Indeed, Murphy now seems to be part of Newcastle’s long-term plan after what’s happened lately, with Eddie Howe praising the young defender for his performances in these pressure situations.
- READ MORE: Eddie Howe issues honest Alex Murphy verdict after 100% record amid Newcastle United emergency
Who should replace Tino Livramento at full-back after his recent injury?!
You couldn't make this up 😡
Sean Neave and Leo Shahar are next in line
Murphy isn’t the only one to step up of late. While both Leo Shahar and Sean Neave didn’t make it onto the pitch against Fulham last week, they were in the squad for the Carabao Cup squad.
Again, Lawrence is delighted to see them make the step up, even if it means he can’t use them for the Under-21s.
He added: “Having Leo and Sean with us today makes our team stronger and they would enjoy those types of games – but their ambition and our ambition is to get players into the first team and to be part of the games they have experienced today.
“For our players, it’s good for them to see that and to understand the opportunity can be there – but also that it’s very, very tough to be at that level. Leo and Sean have had to work hard to get to that stage and there are a few trying to find their way to make that breakthrough and some will hopefully get to that level.
“They should be inspired when they see players progressing and it should be aspirational too.”
That is something Lawrence touched on in relation to Lewis Miley, who is also inspiring the younger talent at Newcastle and showing them there is a pathway to the senior squad.
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