BURNLEY, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammates Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Newcastle United at Turf Moor on May 04, 2024 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The sun begins to set over Vrbovec’s town stadium as Alex Murphy takes a seat in the dug-out with an understated smile.
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.
