Jacob Murphy dismisses negativity around Newcastle friendly but admits players 'fought sleep'

Jacob Murphy has rejected claims that Newcastle United players won't be motivated in today's friendly game against Tottenham Hotspur at the MCG.

A crowd of over 80,000 fans is expected in Melbourne as Newcastle and Spurs kick Global Football Week Down Under. Spurs took part in an open training session in front of 10,000 supporters last night.

When asked about the controversial nature of the game, given the long hard season behind both teams, Murphy, speaking at a last minute Press conference, said: "That kind of question is out of our control and something I have no control over. It is nice to play in front of new audiences and showcase our talent.

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"Whatever way you want to look at it we take the positives from it. It is still a match and we want to win. I like visiting new stadiums and getting immersed in the culture."

Although, Murphy admitted that the Newcastle players spent most of Tuesday fighting off sleep in order to get their body clocks back on track.

Murphy said: "We had a long look around the city yesterday. We did lots of walking trying to stay awake and fight the sleep. We had a good explore and seen what the city had to offer. We feel all right but a bit sleepy, we are robust so hopefully we will be all right."

Newcastle's 10,000 mile trip to Australia has delighted fans with former Norwich City star Murphy knowing it is part of the job at United these days. Murphy said: "I mean Newcastle is a global brand now but Premier League of course is a global brand. Newcastle's rise back up after the problems to be in the position they are in is the least fans deserve.

"For them to be able to get the opportunity to see us in person, it means a good deal. to be a fan base but to us as players also. As players we like to work hard, we run hard, a lot of pressing. We have a clear style."