The Villa youngster looks set to stay after weeks of speculation
Aston Villa owner Dr Tony Xia has hinted on Twitter that young striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy could feature in the FA Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur next week, provided he finally signs his long-awaited new contract.
The 18-year-old appeared off the substitute’s bench in the closing stages of Villa’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Cardiff City on Monday, capping a remarkable turnaround in his short-lived career.
Hepburn-Murphy appeared certain to leave Villa Park recently with Rangers reportedly keen on adding him to their growing list of young, British-based imports (Daily Record) but, according to the Birmingham Mail, the talented striker is set to finally commit his future to the club.
Steve Bruce said prior to the game against Cardiff that Hepburn-Murphy would only feature for the first-team once his future had been confirmed so his appearance in the second half raised expectations that he will still be a Villa player come the end of January.
And Dr Xia has seemingly stoked the speculation further by suggesting on Twitter that the academy graduate may get the chance to make his mark in next week’s FA Cup meeting with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
With top scorer Jonathan Kodjia conscious by his absence against Cardiff, and the other strikers at Villa’s disposal still struggling to locate the net with regularity, Hepburn-Murphy could find that he is an important first-team member sooner rather than later.
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