The forward says Newcastle United’s forward options are a good problem.
Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez celebrates after the game
Newcastle United striker Daryl Murphy has told the Chronicle that Newcastle’s options up front create a good headache for Rafa Benitez.
The Magpies were busy adding to their forward options in the summer transfer window as Benitez overhauled his squad.
First, they brought in Dwight Gayle from Crystal Palace and then Murphy later in the window from Ipswich Town.
Those two joined Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez in completing one of the more formidable forward lines in the Championship this season.
Gayle, in particular, has impressed since, with 13 goals to his name so far, while Perez and Mitrovic both have three to their name in the league.
It means Benitez has a tough ask picking his forwards each week and Murphy says it is a good problem to have.
“It’s been brilliant and since I have come here there has been competition for places,” he told the Chronicle.
“To see the lads doing so well is great. We’ve got so many players here the gaffer could choose from so many and it’s a good headache to have.”
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle celebrates scoring their first goal
Murphy has made just one first-team appearance for the Magpies this season after picking up an injury early into his career at St James Park.
He returned this week, though, starring as the Under 23’s drew with West Bromwich Albion.
And he says he is ready to compete with Gayle, Mitrovic and Perez after that appearance helped blow away the cobwebs.
“I have been ready for the last week,” he added.
“I have trained with the lads. I just needed a few minutes under my belt to get rid of a few of the cobwebs. I have not played for a while but feel in good shape.”
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
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