Newcastle's Murphy hopes to start ahead of Atsu

Newcastle United midfielder Jacob Murphy is targeting more game time and goals next season after a low-keyed debut campaign.

The 23-year-old joined the Magpies from Norwich City last season but struggled to command a starting role, after he was ranked behind Ghana international Christian Atsu, Matt Ritchie and at times Rolando Aarons.

Murphy had 13 Premier League starts out of 38 and made 12 appearances as a substitute.

“As a confident player, [having a good start and goals] are the things I need. I thrive off them. I was buzzing to get that first goal at Man City, and now I’m hungry for more,” Murphy told NUFC TV.

“It needs to be [my breakthrough season]. Hopefully, this is my breakthrough season at the club but I know there is going to be tough competition from Matty [Ritchie], Christian Atsu and Rolando [Aarons] - but I’ll be raring to go,” he said.

“I feel more relaxed now. Obviously, I put that pressure on myself at the start of the season because I really wanted to make an impact when I first came in but looking back it now, maybe I shouldn’t have been so hard on myself.

“I got that run of games around Christmas time and that’s when I thought I was kicking on. But in terms of the season, I feel I have settled in well. Now, this season is about cementing a place ahead of the other players around,” he added.

Atsu, who missed Newcastle's last four games due to a surgery, made 28 league appearances including 19 starts and scored two goals.