Newcastle United youngster's unseen struggle comes to light after full debut

The Republic of Ireland youth international looked the part against Qarabag and is now eyeing more chances under Eddie Howe

Alex Murphy has lifted the lid on his frustrating season at Newcastle United - but insists has every faith in Eddie Howe and the journey the head coach has put him on.

The Republic of Ireland youngster finally made his full debut - on the big Champions League stage against Qarabag - three years after his first cameo. Since then it has been a case of being in and out the squad plus a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers last season.

Murphy also had to watch on after being held back from a loan deal at the start of this season after being told he was needed as cover for first-team stars like Lewis Hall and Dan Burn.

Speaking after his full debut Murphy said: "Obviously, a brilliant feeling for myself. It's not been an easy year – I haven't played much football, and as a footballer, obviously, you're not happy when you're not playing.

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"I've just always kept the faith and hoped I would eventually get a game, and obviously, in the Champions League, I couldn't have asked for a better occasion to do it on, so I'm happy."

Murphy signed for the club as a teenager from Galway in 2023 and his first start was the culmination of his hard work on the training fields of Benton.

Murphy said: "Obviously from a young age, it started from there, really and then the last three years I've been here, starting in the Academy, playing games for the Under-21s and training, then getting the move up to the first team two years ago, and I've just been training every since trying to improve my game and obviously get a chance.

"It was my first start, so obviously it's a big moment for me and all the work you've put in for one moment like that, it just gives you a bit of relief, really, that all the work is not just for nothing, you've actually got something out of it, so it's a good feeling.

Murphy also revealed he was indebted to Howe for giving him his chance, despite a long wait to get it.

The 21-year-old said: "He's brilliant, I've no complaints over that. You obviously want to play football as a young lad and play as many games as you can, but the coaching staff have all been so good to me the last few months.

"They know it's probably not been easy not playing games and stuff, but I'm still learning out in training every day and they're always trying to help me and stuff, so it's really good.

"He's obviously really understanding of the situation and obviously he's started me tonight, so I'm happy."

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