Seven heaven – Murphy’s eyes on United shirt

THE BADGE ON THIS SHIRT WILL CONTINUE TO SPUR ME ON, SAYS MURPHY AFTER DEBUT

JACOB Murphy says he wants to put his stamp on the number 7 shirt with Newcastle United this season.

The £10m winger made his debut in the 1-1 draw at Preston North End with a second-half appearance at Deepdale taking place in front of his proud parents.

After donning the same shirt number as club legends Kevin Keegan and Rob Lee, Murphy knows he will have done well at United if he ends up having half as good a career as the much loved duo.

The seven shirt was worn by Achraf Lazaar last season but with the Morocco international set to leave Newcastle, Murphy is eager to take the number on.

When asked if he wanted the number 7 after the game, Murphy told the Chronicle: “I am hoping so.

“If I do get that shirt, I will be looking to put my stamp on it.”

Murphy then spoke about his pride at making his debut for the Magpies during the draw with the Lilywhites.

He said: “It was nice to look down and see the badge.

“At one point in the half, I looked down and reminded myself what an achievement it is to come and play for this club.

“The badge will continue to spur me on. I’m a massive fan.

“Even last year, when I was in the Championship with Norwich, I was still checking up on the scores and seeing how they were getting on. “I have a lot of love for this club. “It was great to get on and get some minutes.

“It’s been a good build-up week for myself to get back into and up to speed with the boys.

“To pull on the jersey was a great feeling.”

Murphy was also delighted to take his Toon bow in front of his Geordie parents who both go to watch Newcastle every game.

The winger said: “They are always here for each game home and away so that support won’t stop.

“It was a really good atmosphere for a friendly.

“We could hear them during the whole game and we will need that support during the season.

“I’m looking forward to walking out at St James’ Park in front of that.”

These are exciting days for Murphy with the player now finding his feet after a whirlwind move from Norwich last week.

He flew out of Norwich’s training camp in Germany to join up with Newcastle in Dublin before being unveiled as the club’s third summer signing at Carton House.

Murphy is simply delighted to be at United and as he walked out of Deepdale with Champions Leaguewinning boss Benitez giving him a light-hearted pep talk, he must have felt like he was living the dream.