Murphy salutes Celtic spirit

Striker recognises importance of win at St Mirren

18th November 2010

Murphy: Determined

Daryl Murphy believes the late winner scored by Gary Hooper against St Mirren highlights Celtic's never-say-die attitude.

The Bhoys looked set to lose ground on Glasgow rivals Rangers at the top of the SPL until Hopper struck with just seconds remaining to seal a 1-0 success at St Mirren Park.

Hooper had also netted a last-gasp goal to give Celtic victory over Dundee United earlier in the season and Murphy feels these could be crucial points in the title race.

The Irishman has been impressed by the character of his team-mates and insists they are prepared to keep fighting until the end.

"I think the timing of the goal shows the strength and team spirit just now," Murphy said in the Daily Record.

"That could be a massive three points come the end of the season. We never give up and we put a lot of pressure on them towards the end.

"The gaffer said, 'you might score in the first, you might score in the 90th minute but you have to just keep going and believe.

Blur

"I knew we would get chances towards the end of the game and it was just a matter of us taking one of them.

"It was the last minute when we scored but all that matters is that we got the three points. It was all a bit of a blur. I just remember getting myself in the six-yard box when the ball went wide.

"It came in and Hoops hit it first time but it came off a defender. It went straight to his feet again and he stabbed it home - cue the madness.

"I was first in, jumping on his back when he scored and got thumped in the eye by someone as there were arms going everywhere but it was worth it. It was a little bit crazy.

"It was great for the players and for the supporters who were at the game in their numbers."

Murphy came on as a substitute against St Mirren following an injury lay-off and admits it was a relief to return to action.

"I haven't had a game since my injury so I've got no sharpness but it's great to be back," he said.

Edited by Jokerman - 18 Nov 2010 at 7:59am

Murphy backs Lennon's passion to boost Bhoys

By Ronnie Esplin

Saturday November 20 2010

Daryl Murphy believes Neil Lennon's animated antics on the touchline are an inspiration to the Celtic players.

The Hoops' boss is becoming known for his passion in the technical area. That passion has boiled over on a couple of occasions this season, most notably during his side's 2-0 loss to Hearts at Tynecastle over a week ago.

Lennon was sent to the stands by referee Craig Thomson after a rant at the fourth official when a penalty claim was turned down.

However, Murphy does not want Lennon to calm down. "His passion for the game and the club is unbelievable and the supporters love it as well," said the 27-year-old.

"He is just the same as he was as a player. He is so passionate and it rubs off on the lads. You can see him on the sideline and he is trying to kick every ball and win every tackle, it's good for the team to have that as a manager.

"I don't think you can take that away from him, that's just the way he is. You are not going to change him and I think that is great for us."

Republic of Ireland striker Murphy returned from an ankle injury last week to help Celtic to an injury-time win over St Mirren in Paisley. He is now in line to start against Dundee United at Parkhead as a replacement for Anthony Stokes, who is out with a virus.

"I am not used to being injured," Murphy said. "The longest I've ever been out is a week, so to be out for six weeks, sitting in the stands watching the lads playing, is the most frustrated I've ever been.

"The two lads have also scored a hatful of goals between them and it is always difficult then for a striker to get back in. But I've come back quicker than I expected from the injury and I am really looking forward to playing."

- Ronnie Esplin

Irish Independent

Edited by Jokerman - 20 Nov 2010 at 8:33am