Murphy happy to rest and be thankful at Saints
JAMIE MURPHY has finally conceded rest might be best to help him bring his spark to St Johnstone.
The winger’s seasons have been disrupted by injuries since knee-ligament damage suffered with Rangers in August 2018.
But the 33-year-old has already played 11 times for Saints since signing in the summer. And he reckons that’s down to Callum Davidson and staff sitting him out through the training week at the right times.
Murphy admits taking a break could be better than his previously full-pelt approach.
He said: “Coming here has been really good for me. My body feels good and, over the last couple of years, that had been a big problem for me. But I’ve been my own worst enemy, to be honest, because I’ve wanted to train every day and do the same things as everyone else.
“This year I’ve learned to listen a bit better to the coaching staff and physios about when to have a day off. Or when to not do part of the session.
“I feel taking that step back at times has really helped. The manager and staff are experienced in working with older players, so it’s been beneficial to listen and learn from them.
“It also helps to have other senior players because if I was the oldest, I think I would want to do the same as them – train all the time.”