HUNGRY MURPHY KEEN TO HAVE AN IMPACT
JOSH Murphy’s loan move to Preston North End has proved to be a frustrating experience, but the 26-year-old winger says he is nearly ready to make his first outing under boss Ryan Lowe.
Murphy joined the Lilywhites on a season-long loan from Cardiff City back in September, but made just seven substitute appearances before first picking up an ankle injury and then a calf complaint, meaning he has not been seen in a Preston shirt since the 2-1 win over Coventry City on October 20.
Lowe has yet to be able to call on the former Norwich City youngster’s services, but Murphy revealed a first-team return is just around the corner.
“I’m out on the grass now, back with the boys, so it’s now about building that fitness and being able to be ready for the matchdays,” he said.
“This is the start of my 17th week being injured, so it has been tough physically and mentally, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel which is great.
“It’s been tough, because it’s ended up being so long.”
Lowe was appointed to the Deepdale hotseat in December, so he has not yet seen the talented wideman in action, although Murphy says he has definitely been in his boss’ thoughts.
“I’ve had a couple of good chats with him about the way he wants to use me, and it’s promising for me,” he continued.
“When a new manager comes in you want to impress him straight away and you can’t do that from the gym or the treatment room, so that has been disappointing.”
Elsewhere, defender Lewis Coulton has extended his loan with Warrington. The 18-yearold had initially joined the Northern Premier League side for a month, but he will now stay until the end of the season.