Alex Murphy (bottom left) with the rest of the Newcastle United team before the Qarabag clash.placeholder image
Alex Murphy (bottom left) with the rest of the Newcastle United team before the Qarabag clash. | Getty Images
Eddie Howe handed Alex Murphy his first Champions League start as Newcastle United beat Qarabag.
Alex Murphy felt “proud” to experience a lifelong dream of playing in the Champions League.
Newcastle United brushed aside the Azerbaijani champions 9-3 on aggregate to book a spot in the last 16. With most of the damage done in the first leg, Eddie Howe was able to rotate his troops before two mammoth Premier League fixtures.
Murphy played 90 minutes at left-back, with Leo Shahar also earning his professional debut. The Irishman - a youth international - joined Newcastle in 2022 and has made seven first-team appearances.
Alex Murphy admits Champions League emotion
Speaking after making his first start for the club, Murphy admitted to getting emotional once the Champions League music played. He also revealed how his parents were unable to catch a last-minute flight.
“My mum and dad were thinking of it and there was no flight today,” Murphy said. “They’re watching it at home. That’s my first start, the Champions League isn’t a bad way to do it.
"I’m just proud and delighted how we won the game and it was a good performance. Yeah, just the anthem at the start… when you’re younger, you always dream of that.
“To actually be a part of it was special. I started getting a bit emotional to be honest but … it’s a great feeling and that’s ultimately what you want to do when you grow up.”
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Eddie Howe on Alex Murphy
In December, Howe discussed Murphy’s role after he helped seal a 2-1 win over Fulham. The Toon boss said: "In an important moment for the team Alex did really well. He's trained with us for a long time but hasn't had any major game exposure with us.
“He's had a lot of training time, a lot of development and a good loan spell. He's someone we trust and performances like that will do him good for the long term."
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