HARRIS: ‘MURPHY NEEDS TO EARN THE RIGHT’
HARRIS LAYS DOWN CHALLENGE TO MURPHY AFTER SECTION OF SUPPORTERS JEERED HIM OFF THE FIELD
CARDIFF City manager Neil Harris admitted his displeasure at hearing Josh Murphy jeered off the field against Preston, but believes the onus is on the player to show exactly what he is capable of.
Murphy was hooked on the hour last Saturday and replaced by Danny Ward, only for some Cardiff supporters to cheer the winger’s exit.
It caused quite the controversy among the Bluebirds’ fan base, with some having lost patience with Murphy and others believing players should be backed unconditionally through a poor run of form.
While Harris believes Murphy, still just 24, has an abundance of potential waiting to be unlocked, he understood the fans venting their frustration.
“It’s never nice for an individual player or for us as a group,” Harris said of the reaction to Murphy’s substitution on the weekend.
“You want everyone to be happy and loved and that feeling that everyone is there together.
“But I also understand it from a fans’ perspective what they want to see from their players.
“Murphy is a really good player, as we know.
“He’s come with a huge price tag and I’ve not seen the best of him in my five weeks in charge.
“Before that, I can’t really speak about, but I’ll take it from the reaction that the fans haven’t seen the best of him either. It’s down to me to get the best out of him and nurture that talent.”
Murphy showed glimpses of his real quality during the Premier League campaign, but while many were expecting him to tear up the Championship this term, he simply hasn’t hit those heights.
Harris believes that the style of play he is trying to implement at Cardiff City Stadium will benefit the winger.
However, despite Murphy’s obvious talent, Harris insists no-one has a divine right to walk into his side.
“He’s a player that’s best with the ball on the floor, at his feet,” he added.
“So maybe he’s not had the best opportunities to show his qualities and we are trying to change that.
“But also, as a player, you have to earn the right to be in the manager’s team.
“I gave Murphy an opportunity at the weekend and it wasn’t the strongest team performance for him to shine.”
■ MEANWHILE, Cardiff City favourite Peter Whittingham has included in the EFL team of the decade, as voted for by fans.
Whittingham, who enjoyed a fruitful 10-year spell with the Bluebirds, is included alongside the likes of England defender Harry Maguire.
Team: Kaspar Schmeichel; George Friend, Ian Harte, Harry Maguire, Wes Morgan; Peter Whittingham, Wes Hoolahan; Anthony Knockaert, Billy Sharp, Jordan Rhodes, Matt Ritchie.