Northern Ireland U19 international Will Murdock is “really excited” for his first senior loan after joining National League North outfit Hednesford Town from Manchester United.
The highly-rated goalkeeper signed a new professional contract with the Premier League giants earlier this week and has been on the books at Old Trafford for a decade.
Murdock, who is the son of Ballymena-born former Northern Ireland international Colin Murdock, made 20 Premier League 2 appearances for United’s U21s last season and featured again this term before sealing his loan move.
The 19-year-old was part of United’s senior squad which travelled for a pre-season tour to America this summer.
Will Murdock in action for Manchester United's U21s. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)placeholder image
Will Murdock in action for Manchester United's U21s. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Murdock has represented Northern Ireland throughout various age groups and made his U19 debut in October’s friendly against Switzerland.
He has been named on the bench for six U19 European Championship qualifying matches – former Glenavon teenager Josh Gracey, who is at Wolves, has started and now been rewarded with a call-up to the U21s.
A temporary loan to Hednesford until January will provide Murdock with the opportunity to gain crucial senior experience.
“I’m really excited to be here, I feel like this is the right club to grow as a person and as a player as well so I’m looking forward to it,” he told the club’s website. “I think the club is really ambitious after back to back promotions.
“I’ve been at United for 10 years now, I’ve most recently been playing for the under-21s and trained with the first team every now and again.”
Will’s father Colin also started his career at United before enjoying further spells at Preston North End, Hibernian, Crewe Alexandra, Rotherham United, Shrewsbury Town and Accrington Stanley.
A defender during his playing days, Colin earned 34 Northern Ireland caps between 2000-2006 and has since founded Murdock Sports Group, an agency which represents the likes of Scott McTominay, Jason Steele and Paul Smyth.
Hednesford are in FA Cup qualifying action on Saturday afternoon when they host Coventry United and will return to National League North duties next weekend against Radcliffe.