'Alex did really well': Newcastle boss Howe heaps praise on Murphy 

Lewis Miley's late winner ensured the holders' safe passage into the last-four of the competition, but the Irish youngster, a 76th-minute substitute for the injured Tino Livramento, gave a very composed performance at left-back.

Alex Murphy of Newcastle United. Pic: George Wood/Getty Images

Newcastle boss was full of praise for ex-Galway United defender Alex Murphy in the aftermath of the 2-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Fulham at St James' Park Wednesday night. 

Lewis Miley's added-time winner ensured the holders' safe passage into the last-four of the competition, but Irish youngster Murphy - a 76th-minute substitute for the injured Tino Livramento - gave a very composed performance at left-back, a position Howe now finds himself short of numbers in. 

To add to Livramento's expected absence, Lewis Hall and Dan Burn also remain out. 

21-year-old Murphy - who enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Bolton Wanderers last term, having joined the Magpies from Galway United in June of 2022 - has now played twice in this year's Carabao Cup and could be about to feature more given Howe's lack of options on that left side. 

Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Howe was complimentary of Murphy’s performance: "I thought Alex Murphy coming on did well too, so I’m delighted for him and delighted for all the players," before adding in his Friday morning press conference: "In an important moment for the team, Alex did really well. He’s trained with us for a long time but hasn’t had any major game exposure with us. 

"He’s had a lot of training time, a lot of development and a good loan spell. He’s someone we trust and performances like that will do him good for the long term."