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Peter Layton at Daily Star |
Norwich (1) 1 Fulham (1) 1
After a five-star showing on his full debut for the Canaries, Josh Murphy could have saved manager Chris Hughton a fortune in the transfer window as well.
Murphy, 18, put in a sensational performance and may find himself playing a major part in his side's battle against relegation.
Fulham's forgotten man, former England forward Darren Bent, came in from the cold to head his side in front after 40 minutes.
But Murphy, the star of Norwich's FA Youth Cup win last season, put the equaliser on a plate for Scotland star Robert Snodgrass five minutes later.
Murphy said: "It was great. But I'm always pretty confident, it's the sort of person I am. I wasn't scared, just nervous.
"I like to get on the ball and really go at people, so that's what I did. Get shots off and crosses in and just play my game.
"It was a weird feeling, though, when I realised I was playing against men now, not kids. I knew I had to put a shift in.
"But as soon as I got my second wind I was fine. We didn't get the win we wanted, but we didn't get knocked out. So the lads are happy."
Murphy went off to a standing ovation in the second half to be replaced by twin brother Jacob, also making his debut.
Murphy said: "We found out just before the game that I was playing and Jacob was going to be on the subs' bench.
"So we both went into the toilet and gave each other a high-five. It was a big moment for both of us and we were very happy."
Murphy said it was a moment they would remember for the rest of their lives.
"It was crazy, when I saw him getting ready to come on and replace me, but there's no rivalry between us," he added.
"I just saw him standing there with a little smile on his face and thought, 'It's your turn now'. It was great."
Mum Maxine, who watches all their games, was there to see her twins make their piece of Norwich history.
"She's always there for us, even if we are playing away to Swansea, and when we get home she analyses the game," said Josh.
"She tells us what we have done right and she tells us what we have done wrong. She really knows her stuff."
Highlight of the match was Fulham keeper David Stockdale's 58th-minute save from striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
It was so good, Cottagers boss Rene Meulensteen compared it to Gordon Banks' legendary stop from Pele.
Fulham were again missing striker Dimitar Berbatov and Meulensteen was forced to shoot down transfer speculation.
He said: "There's no conspiracy about him not playing. It's just a case of looking after one of the club's biggest assets.
"He's had an injury and we wanted to give him a rest. Playing him wouldn't have been clever. But it doesn't mean he's leaving.
"Everybody is assuming Berbatov is leaving. I have heard what you hear. But it's dangerous to start assuming things.
"As far as I know, Berbatov is happy here, he is content here, he is playing well and he is an important player for us."
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