Newcastle United's most exciting new talent has wasted no time showcasing his ability on Tyneside with a debut goal for the Under-21's on Wednesday afternoon. Alex Murphy, 18, only arrived at the club earlier this month after a deal was agreed with Irish second-tier side Galway United earlier this summer.
Murphy started on the bench as Newcastle's youngsters took on Blackburn's youth team in Lancashire but was introduced midway through the first-half to replace the injured Remi Savage. The young Magpies ran out 3-1 winners with Murphy finding the net in the second-half.
His goal, along with first-half strikes from Kyle Crossley and Santiago Munoz, helped Elliott Dickman's side to an impressive pre-season win. Matty Longstaff and Jay Turner-Cooke both started from the outset, while ex-Spurs youngster Jordan Hackett also made his debut at the back.
READ MORE: Newcastle United transfer news LIVE: Sesko agent talk; Magpies move on from Diaby
Murphy is clearly enjoying a rich vein of form after he also said goodbye to fellow Galway team-mates and fans in fine style earlier this month. The teenager had a hand in two second-half goals during his final game for the club as he grabbed an assist in the 67th-minute with a well-timed cross before helping Galway to their third moments later.
Murphy left the field in the 86th-minute to a standing ovation from the crowd before picking up Galway's Young Player of the Month award for June after the full-time whistle. His arrival is seen as a huge coup for the club after United pipped other suitors to his signature earlier this year.
"We are very pleased to have secured a deal to bring Alex to Newcastle United," Academy manager Steve Harper said earlier this summer. "He is a very promising young player who has attracted a lot of attention from clubs. It is a real coup for our Academy and is a testament to the direction the club is going in under our owners."
Murphy has been joined on Tyneside by Charlie McArthur in recent weeks. The former Kilmarnock defender, 17, is seen as a huge prospect for the future after impressing for Scotland at youth level.
READ NEXT
Newcastle United face familiar Rafa Benitez transfer problem but history won't repeat itself
Mainz 05 defeat provides Eddie Howe with timely Newcastle United transfer reminder
Newcastle United transfer news LIVE: Lucas Paqueta 'price'; Duvan Zapata chance
Hugo Ekitike agent breaks silence as he thanks him for 'never doubting' him after Newcastle snub
Newcastle hope on 'couple' of transfers, Sven Botman class and new captaincy hint - 5 things
