Rushian Hepburn-Murphy is on loan at League Two Cambridge United after failing to break through at Championship outfit Aston Villa.
Given how highly-rated Rushian Hepburn-Murphy is at Aston Villa, it was major a surprise when he dropped down to League Two by joining Cambridge United on loan.
The striker has long been seen as one of the brightest young talents to emerge out of Bodymoor Heath in recent seasons though a series of injuries have disrupted his progress.
So a short-term spell at Cambridge could prove to be a welcome turning point for a youngster who has promised much but delivered little so far in his short career. And the majority of U’s fans were impressed after Hepburn-Murphy played 72 minutes in his debut on Saturday, helping his new side beat Notts County 1-0 away from home.
But, speaking to Cambridgeshire Live, manager Colin Calderwood has made it clear that the 21-year-old has a lot of room for improvement.
“I think Rushian, he showed a little bit of a flash of what he can be, but there was probably too many times, he admits it himself, that the ball came off him and came back to them,” said the former Aston Villa defender and assistant manager.
“A little bit of game experience, and match practice, being in this environment will definitely improve him. I’m looking for an improvement from everyone as well.”
With Dean Smith now at the helm of Aston Villa, Hepburn-Murphy should be hopeful of a long-term future with the Midland giants.
After all, the former Brentford boss is renowned for giving youth a chance, having introduced the likes of Ollie Watkins, Chris Mepham and Romaine Sawyers during his time at Griffin Park.
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