Murphy "buzzing" for Premier League 2 opener

Newcastle’s second-string kick off their 2023/24 league campaign against their Saints counterparts at the Magpies’ Little Benton Academy in a new format of the division which consists of 26 clubs made up of "Category One” Academies, with the top 16 teams qualifying for a single elimination playoff.

Murphy, who joined Newcastle from hometown club Galway United in the summer of 2022, is determined for United’s youngsters to begin their season in the strongest manner possible ahead of their first of 20 regular-season matches.

The 19-year-old, who has represented Republic of Ireland at under-19 level, told nufc.co.uk: “Everyone is buzzing to start competitive games again. It’s been a while and Southampton will be a good test. We played them twice season, winning one and losing one, so they’re a good side and we definitely want to start the season in the right way.

“If we get a win, which I’m sure we can do, it sets you up for a really good season and there will be plenty of games ahead so we’ll be wanting to start the season well.

“You always want to be towards the top end of the table, like the first-team were last season so we’ll be trying to replicate what they did.

"Obviously, you want to be playing the best teams but getting a good position in the table would allow us to get less harder games towards the end of the season."

Murphy completed a positive pre-season campaign with Newcastle’s first-team, competing in Premier League Summer Series fixtures against Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion in the United States before making his first start for the club at senior level during a 2-0 Sela Cup win against Fiorentina at St. James’ Park.

The Annaghdown-born defender expressed his delight in featuring in front of over 36,000 home supporters and revealed the support he received from his senior professionals during and before the friendly contest against the Serie A outfit.

The Irish centre-back, who made his senior debut for Galway at the age of 16, added: “I was over the moon to make my first start for Newcastle United and at St. James’ Park. It was a dream come true. Since I’ve signed, that’s what I’ve been aiming to do.

“I was really pleased with how it went and to keep a clean sheet was great and hopefully there are many more appearances to come. Playing in front of big atmospheres is what you look forward to as a player. When the crowd is up, it gives you a lift too. It wasn’t even full but the noise they make and the atmosphere they created was unreal to play in front of.

“The defenders helped me so much. They were all giving me tips when I’m on the ball and just before the games, helping me to relax. They all did so well last season so to learn from them and play beside them was an unreal experience.

“I was sitting beside Sven (Botman) in the dressing room and he was giving me tips, telling me to be relaxed as I normally would and treat is a normal game even it was in front of 36,000 fans at St. James! They all really helped and they’re great in that way.

“I’ve been happy enough with pre-season. I went to America with the first-team and I probably didn’t expect to get as much minutes on the pitch as I did. I was lucky enough that injuries helped me come onto the pitch as early as they did and I think I did well in the matches. It’s been good to me to get up to the first-team and learn from everyone."

Supporters can gain free entry for Newcastle United Under-21s' opening Premier League 2 fixture of the 2023/24 season at the Magpies' Little Benton Academy.