Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HUNGER GAMES
Crues striker Murray anxious to stay on goals trail as champions eye up another title for Seaview cabinet
CRUSADERS new boy Darren Murray is hoping to gorge himself on goals as the prolific league leaders chase down a third Gibson Cup in four years.
Murray, who joined the North Belfast club from Warrenpoint Town in the January transfer window, opened his account with a brace in Tuesday’s 3-0 win at Carrick Rangers.
It was the perfect start and he’s relishing being part of a Crues frontline that includes strike partner Jordan Owens (right) and wing wizards Paul Heatley and Gavin Whyte.
Of the club’s 78 league goals this season – the highest return in the Premiership – Owens, Heatley and Whyte have contributed 38.
“It’s exciting,” said Murray. “I came from Warrenpoint where we created chances, but not as many as the Crues create week in, week out.
“Against Carrick, I played up top with big Chicken (Owens) and he’s a handful. It’s good to play around him and hopefully I can pick up the pieces.
“We probably created 20 chances against Carrick and that says a lot about the team. We won 3-0, but probably should have scored six.
“I’m confident plenty more chances will come playing for this Crusaders side. If they fall and I’m on hand to take them, that’s exactly what I’ll do.”
Murray has endured a nomadic Irish League career, playing for six clubs including Portadown and Cliftonville since making his debut as a 16-year-old for Newry City a decade ago.
But the talented frontman believes Seaview can become a permanent, happy hunting ground as he bids to finally add silverware to a barren personal CV.
He said: “Stephen
(Baxter) had a chat with me and he believes my head is in the right place to kick on my career and score plenty more goals and win trophies for the club.
“I don’t want to be remembered as a striker who scored goals for several clubs and won nothing. I want to be a striker who is remembered for scoring and winning trophies.
“I want to establish myself as one of the best strikers who has played in the league and I believe Stephen is going to give me that platform with this team.” Crusaders eased three points clear of title rivals Coleraine thanks to their midweek win at Carrick and Murray is eager to sustain or extend that gap at home to Glentoran.
He said: “Oran Kearney has Coleraine firing and it’s important we keep them off our tail. It’s down to ourselves really – we have 11 league games left and hopefully we can keep winning.” On bagging a poacher’s double on his debut, he said: “I suppose I showed a striker’s instincts for both finishes. It’s always good to get off to a good start.”