‘It’s what you dream of when you’re younger’ – Alex Murphy targets starting role at Newcastle

Ireland’s under 21s have just defeated hosts Croatia 3-2, a friendly which saw the Newcastle United defender earn his first cap off the bench.

“It’s been a long time coming,” admitted the Galway man.

His under 21 bow on the outskirts of Zagreb was just the latest in a series of milestones the teenager has achieved in his early career.

Aged 16, he made his senior debut for Galway United in 2020 before earning a Premier League move when he turned 18 two years ago.

Having gone from strength to strength on Tyneside, captaining the club’s under 21s on several occasions, he soon found himself training regularly with Eddie Howe’s first team before his Premier League debut arrived last November.

After putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal at St James’ Park just last month, life feels like a long way away from his early days in the First Division.

“I went in with the Newcastle under 21s at first. We used to play the first team once a week. I remember my first session, seeing the speed of the players and how quick they move the ball. It was a big shock for me, to be honest. I thought, ‘I need to get up to speed here’.

“It took me a while to realise just how good those players are. So it was a big shock, but I don’t know what else I was expecting. The Premier League is probably the best level in the world. It has been a big step up, but I’m enjoying it.”

Having impressed with the Magpies’ under 21 side, Murphy was invited into the first-team set-up and went on to earn two Premier League appearances last term, as well as featuring on the bench 17 times.

In a home clash with Chelsea last November, with Newcastle leading 4-1, the moment the Annaghdown native had been waiting for arrived.

“It was mad. I had been on the bench a couple of times before that and was just itching to get on. The score was going our way, so I was looking at him [Howe] and just hoping.

“It was a massive moment for my family and I. It’s really what you dream of when you’re younger.

“I’ve been training with them since before Christmas, so it [the new contract] shows they are happy with me. They want me to push on. I feel I can do that and push for a starting place in the team.”

After spending his early days with local club Corrib Celtic, Murphy arrived at Galway United’s academy at the age of 14, but it wasn’t too long until John Caulfield recognised that he had a talent on his hands.

“When I was around 15/16, I wasn’t really getting the exposure that I needed at underage level, but then I went into pre-season with Galway under John [Caulfield]. The amount of things you learn off the pros, even off the pitch, what they eat and how they recover. Being around that set-up at such a young age is vital for any young player.”

Murphy made 32 first-team appearances for the Galway before departing for England in July 2022.

“You’re just like a sponge, trying to take everything in. I think the younger you go in, the better. It definitely helped me a lot. Then going from Galway to Newcastle was a big jump. It was mad, but I was buzzing with the move. It was obviously tough at the start because you’re moving away from friends and family, all you know really.

“I never lived away from home before that, but everyone helped me settle in so much. It’s basically home now.

“You don’t see many [players moving from the First Division to the Premier League], but hopefully there’ll be plenty more because the League of Ireland is growing.”

While his club career continues to go from strength to strength, at international level Murphy hopes Friday’s first cap is the first of many under Jim Crawford, with the defender also eligible for the next Euro qualifying campaign.

The young boys in green are targeting a first European Championship qualification later this year. With four qualifiers remaining, they sit second in Group A.

Murphy insists that his side are capable of making history.

“We feel like we can beat anyone with the team we have. We’re just going into the last four games believing we can win. If we play the way we did on Friday, we should do it,” he claimed.

Brighton’s Andrew Moran and QPR’s Sinclair Armstrong were both on the scoresheet against five-time finalists Croatia. The pair also won their first senior caps last year under Stephen Kenny.

“We’re a bit jealous!” laughed Murphy. “Seeing those boys win senior caps gives us all a great boost, that it is possible if you’re doing well at club level and with the under 21s. We’re happy for them, but we’re a bit jealous too!

“Growing up I watched Ireland at the Euros and Robbie Brady scoring against Italy [in 2016]. I remember in school, when you went away on Ireland trips, you were just the biggest deal ever.

“I just love it every time I get to put on the shirt. It means everything.”