MURRAY SETTLES AT SHEFFIELD UNITED
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Report courtesy of the Bray People
Teenager Shane Murray loves his life at new club Sheffield United, despite the gruelling schedule.
He came onto the club's radar after playing for United against manchester United in the Milk Cup final in summer 2009.
The gifted midfielder moved from Arklow Town to the Yorkshire club at the end of last season as part of the two clubs partnership, and Murray couldn't be happier with the Blades after making the switch from the Black and Whites, his only previous club.
'The only club team I played for in Ireland was Arklow, they were my local side and I spent ten years there from the age of six.
'So I thought it would be difficult going there but I settled into life in Sheffield really well. The training schedules are more intense and this season is the first time I have had to train twice a day, but I soon got used to that and it improved my fitness.'
Murray, captain of the club's Academy side, was quick to realize there is a world of difference between playing in the Wicklow League and for United's academy.
"The tempo of matches is a lot quicker in England, the players seem a lot stronger, and overall it is just a better standard of football that can only improve me as a player.
"Academy coach Greg Batten came to watch one of my matches back home and then I came across to train, before signing a scholarship at the beginning of the season.
"Playing in the Milk Cup earlier this year (where United lost to Manchester United in the final, with Murray very impressive on the day) was something special and it also gave the lads a taste of playing in front of big crowds in televised matches."
And just like every youngster out there, Murray has high hopes of pulling on the green jersey in the near future having already had a taste of international experience.
"At the moment I have 15 international caps for my country and I have represented them at three age groups, so I am hopeful of being selected for future squads."
One man who has been impressed by the midfielder since his arrival is academy coach Kevin Fogg, who had this to say about Murray: "Shane has made good progress both on and off the field and I would like to commend Arklow Town and Greg Batten for bringing him to United.
"He is gifted on the ball and is instrumental in all our set-piece routines for both the U-18s and reserves.
"Physically, Shane is developing well and I believe, like most first years, we will see the benefit of this season at this time next year."
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