Former Newcastle striker Micky Quinn has thrown down the gauntlet to Magpies winger Jacob Murphy, calling on him to ‘step up’ this summer after a mediocre debut season.
Murphy, who was signed for a fee of around £10million from Norwich a year ago, made 28 appearances for the Toon in 2017/18, scoring just one goal and providing just one assist.
Quinn has now called on Murphy to impress this summer as he looks to make his mark at St. James’ Park, saying that it will come down to him whether he makes it at the club.
In a column for the Chronicle, Quinn said: “Jacob Murphy found it hard this season, but he’s just a young kid and it does take time to bed in. He is going to have to step up in pre-season and work hard to try and force his way into the first team. I think there will be one or two players talking to him on the training pitch, giving him advice. The coaching staff will also play a huge part, but at the end of the day it’s down Murphy to go out and do it himself.
“I remember making my debut as a 17-year-old against seasoned pros, some who had come up from non-league and others that had played at the top level and had come down to league two. The older pros protect you, but it again comes down to your own drive. It’s down to you. The belief you have in your own ability and desire to compete, and when that confidence is there the rest shines through.
“I was making cameo appearances he and there but once I started believing, it paid off. I think Murphy just lacks a little bit of confidence, but one he finds that, he’ll be a different player.”
OPINION
Much was expected of Murphy when the Magpies splashed out £10million or so for the 23-year-old last summer, and he has not responded quite yet. There have been glimpses of his quality here and there, with his only goal of the season against Manchester City showcasing his brilliant pace and a good finishing ability. However, moments like that have come all too rarely, and the Magpies could really do with him pushing on this summer. Murphy’s pace in wide areas could be a massive asset for the club if he manages to find some form, and his potential is sky-high if he does so. There is not that much competition in those positions at the club right now, and Murphy has a really big chance to cement himself in the first-team if he does have a good pre-season. But, as Quinn says, that will come down to him, and it will be interesting to see if he takes that advice in the coming weeks.
