Daryl Murphy has stepped up when called upon for Newcastle United this season.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Rafael Benitez has suggested that Newcastle’s youngsters should look to Daryl Murphy if they want to see the best example of the model professional, and compared the veteran to a Liverpool legend, the Chronicle reports.
Murphy’s season at St James’ Park has arguably been a somewhat odd one. After joining from Ipswich in the summer, the 34-year-old has struggled for minutes for the Magpies, but when he has been given a chance, he has certainly taken it.
In nine Championship appearances for Newcastle, Murphy has scored four goals, but that record is much more impressive when it is considered that he has started on just four occasions.
And Benitez explained that the Republic of Ireland international is the man the academy starlets should look to if they want to enjoy a successful career.
“For the young players to see someone of his age with the number of goals he has scored but is still working hard to get more it shows he’s a great example,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.
Newcastle United’s Daryl Murphy celebrates
Benitez was the Liverpool boss when the side brought Robbie Fowler back to Anfield after a number of years away, and he has suggested that Murphy’s presence around the squad can have a similar impact to the one that Fowler’s return had.
“We needed a specific plan for [Fowler]. We worked very hard with him and he did well. He made a contribution on the pitch and in the dressing room,” he added, reflecting on the decision to bring Fowler back.
“Murphy is different because he has scored goals and played more games.
Robbie Fowler after rejoining Liverpool
“But in terms of his influence in the team and the fact he is so professional and such a nice lad, it’s a big positive.”
Not only has Murphy been an extremely important squad member, but he has also shown that is able to contribute on the pitch when called upon, even if those games are few and far between.
And with Newcastle on course for the Premier League, it would be a brave person to suggest that Murphy would not contribute at the highest level if the Magpies did secure promotion.
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