Eddie Howe believes there is a lot more to come from Jacob Murphy

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has declared “there’s a lot to like” about winger Jacob Murphy.

The 27-year-old has started the last three games and had a big role to play in the Magpies’ opener against Brighton last weekend.

After Chris Wood carved open the Seagulls’ defence, Murphy left Marc Cucurella trailing in his wake due to his blistering change of speed.

Murphy’s chipped effort came back off the post, but it fell perfectly into the path Ryan Fraser who calmly slotted the ball home.

Newcastle’s number 23 has grasped his opportunity following the injury to Allan Saint-Maximin and Murphy will be hoping to retain his place in Howe’s starting line-up for tomorrow night’s trip to Southampton.

Eddie Howe hails ‘reliable’ Jacob Murphy

The former Norwich City man was singled out for praise by his manager ahead of the clash at the St Mary’s Stadium.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “He’s a very good player. He’s physically excellent and I think you can see that from the first goal [against Brighton] he created and the pace he gives you on transitions.

“He’s reliable defensively and tactically very good. There’s a lot to like about him.

“I think there’s a lot to come as well – there is a lot more [talent] in there.”

Murphy, who has a contract at St James’ Park until 2027, has made 22 appearances this season, 11 of which have been starts.

Howe will be delighted that in the time that Saint-Maximin has been struggling with fitness, both Fraser and Murphy have stepped up in the influential Frenchman’s absence.

Murphy will be targeting a fourth consecutive Premier League start for the first time this season against Ralph Hasenhüttl’s Saints.

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