Jacob Murphy is using Newcastle United teammate Dan Burn as inspiration to cling onto his England dream.
Last month, the winger reportedly snubbed an approach from Nigeria - a nation he qualifies for through his father - to switch international allegiance. Murphy represented the Three Lions at four separate youth levels, scoring an overhead kick for the under-21 setup at the Euros in 2017.
An England senior debut has seemed a far cry for most of Murphy’s time at St James’ Park. However, the 30-year-old has surged under Eddie Howe, forming a productive partnership with Toon talisman Alexander Isak.
Murphy watched last week as Burn - at 32 - fulfilled his unlikely ambition of playing for England. Thomas Tuchel’s appointment has given a fresh chance for Premier League stars to stake their claim - with Burn arguably his most left-field selection.
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Speaking to reporters as part of the Carabao Cup celebrations over the weekend, Murphy admitted to holding conversations with Graeme Jones - a former Three Lions assistant coach - about his international ambitions.
“It’s a conversation me and Graeme Jones have been having for a number of seasons,” Murphy said. “I have to keep putting out performances because they’re always keeping an eye out for English players.
“To see Dan get his call-up was amazing. It does give you that extra motivation to know it’s possible. We’ve got Gordy, Lewis Hall, Tino and, when you’re kicking it with them every week you know what you have to offer, you think there’s every chance in the future. I keep my head down… and I’ve just won a Cup with Newcastle so who’s to say no to getting a call-up?”
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Murphy also warned Newcastle City Council that events like Saturday - which saw over 300,000 descend on the town centre - are set to become commonplace. Toon fans lined the streets and the Town Moor to witness a piece of history 70 years in the making.
“It does feel like the start of something,” Murphy added. “I think the Newcastle fans, the Council, everyone… they’re going to have to get used to this, the planning and the logistics of a bus parade. We always knew that the specialness was in being the first.
“To be on that bus knowing we are the first in so long to do it makes it even more special. The international break probably came at the worst time for us from a celebration point of view but, finally, we’re all back together and it feels just as sweet.”