Yahoo News Newcastle United defender that could save club millions has Miley aim after Howe moment of class
Alex Murphy admits he has no problem using Lewis Miley as a role model next season as he looks to stake his claim in Eddie Howe's first-team squad.
The left-back was handed a new contract after being rewarded by Howe last term and was included in the senior squad 21 times by the Toon boss. The 19-year-old's aim is to kick on in the 2024/25 campaign and add to his couple of appearances with Howe a big fan of the Republic of Ireland youngster's capabilities.
There is talk of Murphy going on loan to an EFL club and certainly interest from the Scottish Premiership but Howe has proved he is willing to give youngsters a run in the team if it is merited. That was underlined by teenager Miley - a year or so younger than Murphy - last season when the midfielder played 30 times.
Murphy told Chronicle Live: "Lewis obviously did unbelievable last season. He's so young but it shows what can be done by somebody at the Academy.
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"He may be younger than me but he's still somebody to look up to in that regard. You can see that there is a pathway there. So if you perform well and train well the gaffer gives lads a chance. You will get your reward."
Murphy, signed from Galway for a bargain £100,000 fee in 2022, was handed a new contract by Howe back in May. But Murphy is not prepared to rest on his laurels.
When asked about his new deal, Murphy said: "It's another step. I am not where I want to be yet. But the contract was a positive to take and a new deal shows I have been doing well. So it's nice recognition from the club but I now want to prove to them I was worth it and try to break into the first-team. That is obviously my goal after signing the contract."
Howe's man management has been a major plus for the Magpies since the former AFC Bournemouth boss was appointed in 2021. But it has been underlined by Murphy after he started training on a regular basis with the senior squad last December.
Indeed, the fact that Howe took extra time to work with the full-back after the main sessions at Benton sums up why the head coach is loved by many of his players.
Murphy said: "He's been great for me since I moved up to the first-team. He's helped me a lot with individual sessions after training. The gaffer, JT (Jason Tindall) and all the coaching staff have been great for all of us."
Putting aside Murphy's two first-team appearances, the Irish defender featured prominently in both games of United's post-season tour of Australia in the encounters against Tottenham Hotspur and the A-League All Stars.
For all the negativity about the trip Murphy was not complaining: "All of these experiences are great for lads like me. Any minutes you get for the senior side or minutes you get with first-team professionals that are playing at the top level is brilliant for us.
"I appreciate any chance I get to go away with the first-team. It has been great for me."
Murphy helped lead the lap of appreciation during the tour Down Under as thousands of fans turned out for the two clashes in Melbourne.
Murphy said: "The support is always unbelievable wherever we go. Australia is pretty much the longest journey you can make but loads travelled over the back us. They were unbelievable at the Marvel Stadium, it wasn't a pretty scoreline but they were still singing and getting behind us. They love the club and love us, we really appreciate it.
"We have done that trip now so we know what it would be like for next time. It is a long flight and it takes a bit of getting used to after it. It was a great opportunity to come to a country like Australia. For some it's a once in a lifetime so it was very positive and a great experience."
