David Murphy predicts a Birmingham City title challenge

Dec 2 2008 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

games going into December, ahead of them were Cardiff City (on goal difference) and leaders Preston (38 points).

Murphy said Blues were disappointed that they didn’t leave the Black Country with victory.

“We deserved to win the game, on reflection, but it wasn’t meant to be,’’ he said.

“The minimum we had to take was a point, which we got.

“We felt for at least 60 minutes, we were on top. We had dealt with everything they had to throw at us.

“We went 1-0 up and were delighted. It was a disappointment to concede the equaliser. We could have had a couple more goals ourselves as well.”

Murphy’s chance came because of Sebastian Larsson’s late pull-out.

He had not started since Burnley on October 18 because of a knee injury.

He began at left wing and ended up at right-back following a rejig, caused by Nicky Hunt’s injury and Mehdi Nafti’s unease in the full-back berth.

“We did have a few changes to cope with. Obviously Seb had problems before the game so I came in,’’ said Murphy.

“You have to take your opportunity when you are given it and hopefully I have done that.

“I have played in that role before. I’ve played left-back, left midfield, wing-back. So it’s all familiar to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“As for going to right-back, it’s the same as left-back, just the other way round sort of thing!

“You slot in wherever the team need you.”