Motherwell manager Stuart McCall feels he has several options within the club to replace Jamie Murphy should the forward exit Fir Park as expected following Wednesday's clash against Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders Celtic.
Sheffield United are leading the chase to sign Murphy with the 23-year-old missing training on Monday to hold transfer talks before returning for what is likely to be his farewell appearance at Celtic Park.
Murphy has scored nine goals in 13 games but his impending departure comes at a time when striker Bob McHugh has been pushing for a starting place.
The 21-year-old came off the bench to score against Hibernian and St Mirren in December and his introduction against Kilmarnock helped spark a Motherwell comeback from two goals down to secure a point with Murphy helping his shot over the line for the first.
McCall said: "We've got Bob, we have Omar Daley who can play out left where Jamie has been playing. He has really looked sharp again in training and got his buzz back about him.
"Although we have a relatively very small squad, we have got people who can play in different positions.
"Nicky Law can go out left and young (Stuart) Carswell is chomping at the bit to get a game.
"So, while we have no injuries, we have still got options, but we are certainly thin on the ground."
Murphy's goal against Killie was his 50th for the club and McCall believes the player will prosper if he moves to Sheffield United, where the manager finished his playing career.
The former Scotland Under-21 international turned down a move to npower Championship side Blackpool on the final day of last year's January transfer window, but McCall feels the Blades, who sit second in League One, will soon be at the same level.
"If it is Sheffield United, I had five superb years there, they are a great club," the former Scotland midfielder said.
"People say he could maybe do better than League One - I believe and hope that Sheffield United will be a Championship club next season and a good one at that.
"Great fan base, great manager in Danny Wilson. He knows a player - he tried to buy me when I left Rangers and went to Bradford.
"I'm sure Jamie will fit in there well if he decides to go there."
Click here for completely free £10 bet with Sky Bet & £5 free every week
Post Comment
