Josh Murphy is aiming for ‘special’ start to his Premier League dream.
The Bluebirds winger was in magnificent form for Cardiff City during their clash with Real Betis and he says: “I’m raring to go against Bournemouth – and I can’t wait to face my twin (Jacob) when we play Newcastle United in our first home match.”
The match against manager Rafa Benitez and his Geordies at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday week will be the 100th first team start of Josh’s career and he said: “We’ve only ever played against each other in training. It’s going to be a weird feeling.
That will be a good day for my family, but hopefully not for Newcastle and my brother.
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“Cardiff City need the points.”
Wembley-born Murphy, 23, scored a magnificent goal against Real Betis in City’s final pre-season fixture and is now intent on making a Premier impact.
“I just focused on making sure my shot was on target and thankfully it went in,” he says. “Personally I’m raring to go. If we can do it against Real Betis, a top quality team, we can mix it with big boys.
“Hopefully we can match Bournemouth and come away with the points.
“We go into the season as underdogs, but we relish the chance. Some people will write us off I’m sure, but way we played against, if we can carry on like that, we’ll surprise a few people.
“Yes, there were a couple of sloppy mistakes for goals, but we held our own and if we nullify those errors we’ll have a chance.”
Murphy is full of praise for Bluebirds manager Neil Warnock, saying: “I love his coaching style.
“The gaffer seems to take some stick from outside the club for the kind of manager he is, but he has been so welcoming to new players and the boys will run through brick walls for him.
“It’s great to see the way he gets a squad together. The way he works is second to none. His togetherness with boys shows on the pitch, everybody wants to run a mile for the manager.
“I can’t say what he does that’s different. That would be telling secrets, but it’s great to work under him.”
Murphy linked up with Junior Hoilett in attack against Real Betis, an attacking duo with a slightly different look.
Kenneth Zohore was among the substitutes, while Aron Gunnarsson was missing from midfield after being kicked on a knee.
Joe Ralls, Callum Paterson and Bobby Reid made up a new-look midfield trio, operating in front of holding player Sol Bamba, and Murphy said: “It was a good run out against a really good Real Betis team.
“We held our own and could have earned a better result. The team did well. The midfield lads were great. If they are not playing well I can’t do my thing on the ball.
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“Credit Sol in there. He is not a natural midfield player, but he was a machine in there. Rallsy, Bobby and Patters battled for the team and worked hard for Junior and I in attack.
“I relish playing for this team. I feel completely settled in, everybody is getting onto same wavelength.”
The Bluebirds focus is now on their Premier League test at Dean Court in Bournemouth and Murphy says: “I was surprised at how many fans turned out for the Real Betis match and they were so loud.
“It felt good to repay them with a goal. Together, fans and players, we can make our mark this season.”