Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher has labelled Alex Murphy as ‘brilliant’ after their weekend win at Burton Albion.
Bolton Wanderers won 2-1 away against the Brewers on Saturday. Midfield pair Aaron Morley and Josh Sheehan got the goals for BWFC as they secured another three points.
BWFC - Bolton Wanderers' stadium
Image courtesy of: JOHN CLIFTON/REUTERS.
Murphy, 20, is on loan with the Trotters from Newcastle United in the Premier League. He has made seven league appearances and has chipped in with one goal.
Schumacher has said, as per a report by The Bolton News: “George (Johnston) was going to play but Alex stepped in and I thought he was brilliant. Like I say, he wasn’t going to start for us but when we knew George had picked up the injury he had to step in right at the very end. He had done the match prep but not the 11 v 11 stuff yet in training, but I thought he was great.”
He added: “He was brilliant, he slotted into that left-hand side centre-back role, which was perfect for him because he is a bombing, running-forward, full-back really.”
Bolton Wanderers landed Murphy earlier this winter to boost their defensive ranks.
He was given the green light to head out the exit door by Newcastle United on a temporary basis to get some experience under his belt.
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bolton wanderers, ‘He was brilliant’ – Bolton Wanderers man hailed by Steven Schumacher after Burton Albion win
Image courtesy of: SCOTT HEPPELL/REUTERS.
The youngster joined his parent club back in 2022 and is under contract until 2027.
Murphy was a key player for the Toon Army’s Under-21’s side before his switch to the Football League.
He said last year, as per the Shields Gazette: “I want to play as many senior minutes as I can, whether that is here or somewhere else for the year. I want to get as many games under my belt as possible and then, hopefully, the aim is to play here [at Newcastle] every week.
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“I want to show what I can do in men’s football and I feel I am at that stage to do that.”
Murphy played for Corrib Celtic before linking up with Galway United in 2019.
He then broke into the first-team of the League of Ireland club and played 32 matches, chipping in with two goals and four assists.
The Republic of Ireland youth international has made two senior appearances for Newcastle United so far.
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Bolton Wanderers are in confident mood and are sat in 6th place in the table.
They are inside the play-offs with Wrexham, Stockport County and Charlton Athletic.
The Trotters are back in action on Tuesday with an away trip to Bristol Rovers.