Murphy dreams of glory after injury nightmare

DAVID MURPHY is dreaming of playing at Wembley in the FA Cup for Birmingham — a year after fearing his career could be over.

The Blues left-back missed all of last season after rupturing a knee cap and has been understudy to Liam Ridgewell during the current campaign.

He could only look on as Alex McLeish’s side lifted the Carling Cup a fortnight ago.

But Murphy has featured in the FA Cup and is in line to start today’s home quarter-final with Bolton.

Murphy revealed: “I did wonder if I would ever get back fully fit again.

“When the injury initially happened, it was at the end of the season so you’ve just got to go away and recuperate.

“But I would say after Christmas time just over a year ago, when I was looking to push back in the side and had a setback, that was the worst part.

“There were a couple of setbacks along the way and I spoke to the surgeon but thankfully we resolved the problem and, touch wood, I haven’t had a problem with the knee for a year now.

“For me, to have the chance to get to Wembley is extra special after the injury.

“The FA Cup is one of the major competitions in the world. Everyone watches it and to play in an FA Cup final or semi-final would be fantastic.

“It is just great to be back playing and back involved all the time. I’d love to get more game time but we will have to see what happens.”

McLeish will check on the fitness of a host of players before naming his side.

Lee Bowyer, David Bentley, Keith Fahey, Stephen Carr, Ridgewell, Craig Gardner and Nikola Zigic are all rated doubtful.

Alexander Hleb, plus long terms casualties Scott Dann and James McFadden, are definitely ruled out.

McLeish will take a late decision on whether to include Barry Ferguson, who has had an injection to ease the pain from his broken rib.