Jacob Murphy assisted Newcastle United’s potentially vital equaliser against Aston Villa on Friday night.
Jamaal Lascelles headed home Murphy’s delivery in the final seconds, nudging the Magpies two points clear of the relegation zone.
Murphy entered the fray on 79 minutes, replacing Ryan Fraser.
The assist was the culmination of an impressive cameo.
Within three minutes of coming on, Murphy crashed a shot against the crossbar after shrugging off the challenge of Douglas Luiz.
After Villa had gone in front, he got the better of Matt Targett and produced a dangerous cut-back which Newcastle so nearly scrambled in.
He managed to secure a rating of 7/10 (as per 90 Min), despite coming off the substitutes’ bench.
Having gone on to tee-up Lascelles, he has certainly made his case to Steve Bruce for a start in next weekend’s critical clash with Brighton.
Murphy hasn’t been awarded a start since the end of January when Leeds won at St James’ Park.
Injuries to Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron have not yet opened the door for the English winger, who has scored two and assisted three in all competitions.
Responding to a tweet from the Chronicle, a whole host of fans called for Murphy to be in the XI at the Amex.
Bruce boldly selected Joelinton and Dwight Gayle – who are primarily number nines – either side of Ryan Fraser, a winger by trade, against Villa.
These Newcastle supporters want Jacob Murphy to start next week
“YES!! I’d like to see Fraser and Murphy start on the wings with a recognised striker in the middle for them to both aim crosses at.”
“Based on the performance tonight, I’d start Eddie Murphy”
“Yes. But this is Bruce we’re talking about here. He will have a centre forward in that right back place before Murphy.”
“Should have started last weekend and last night”
“Yessssss I’ve been advocating his place in the team(anywhere) for the past month.”
“Yes – Murphy, Gayle, Fraser front three. No exceptions!”
“Categorically yes! Fraser Gayle Murphy”
“100% at least he’s direct and tries to make things happen.”
“100%. Only one who gave us anything remotely creative”