The success of friend and former team-mate Raheem Sterling is the perfect motivation for his own development, says England U19 international Josh Murphy.
The Norwich City youngster is currently with the Young Lions at St. George's Park preparing for the Elite Round of qualification for the 2014 UEFA U19 European Championship - and says that seeing the likes of Sterling, Barkley and other young players being called up to the senior squad for the World Cup in Brazil is an inspiration.
"It’s crazy how things can change in such a short period of time," he said.
"I know Raheem [Sterling] well and we used to play in the same team together.
"Now he’s off to Brazil with the senior team and I’m so pleased for him. Obviously you’ve got Luke Shaw and Ross Barkley as well - who have been playing well all season too – and it just shows what the young players can do if they are given the chance."
Murphy is part of Noel Blake's 18-man squad to take on Scotland, Montenegro and Ukraine - and as hosts, have been training at the National Football Centre all week.
England's schedule
v Montenegro 3pm, 24 May (Walsall)
v Scotland 7.30pm, 26 May (Burton)
v Ukraine 3pm, 29 May (Burton)
Tickets available at the gate
£3 for adults, £1.50 concessions
The 19-year-old admits he has had an up and down campaign with his club side. Although he became a regular member of the first-team squad, the season eventually ended in disappointment as the Canaries were relegated after finishing 18th - failing to win any of their final seven games.
"I’ll look back on the season with mixed emotions, definitely," added Murphy.
"Obviously I made my debut and played in the Premier League nine times and got 13 appearances all together. So from a personal point of view it’s been a great season – but obviously on a club level it hasn’t been that good with relegation. But you have to look at it as an opportunity and maybe it will open doors and create new chances in the Championship – which I’m going relish.
"But If someone had said to me back in August that I would have played more than ten games for the first team I would have bitten their hand off for it because I never thought it would happen so soon.
"I just need to kick on now, help Norwich get back into the Premier League and be playing week in week out like people like Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling. That’s what you’ve got to aspire to."
Murphy in action for Norwich away to Manchester United
And pressed on whether he felt a similar fate to his friend Sterling could be awaiting him - Murphy insisted he needs to focus on the here and now.
"That’s what every young player has to aspire to and what’s happened to them is definitely a massive inspiration to us all," he admitted.
"But I know I have a bit to go at the moment. I’m still young and I don’t have much experience. But I know if I keep my head down, keep giving my all every time I play or train – then my time will come.
"That starts now – I need to perform well every time I’m with England U19s, then hopefully progress to the U21s – and then who knows.
"But it’s certainly something you have to be thinking about – it’s not at the top of my short-term list, but I’m just going to strive and work so hard – and what’s happened to the guys shows that dreams can come true if you apply yourself correctly."
“What’s happened to the guys shows that dreams can come true if you apply yourself correctly”
Josh Murphy
Murphy and the U19s begin their Elite Round campaign against Montenegro at Walsall on Saturday - after coming through the qualifying phase in Slovenia in October as group winners.
And the Wembley-born youngster added he was looking forward to representing England on home soil this time round.
He said: "I can’t wait, I’m really looking to it. I will have friends and family there watching so that will be great.
"We’ve got a tough group so we know it’s not going to be easy. No international game is.
"But I’m confident with the team we’ve got we have the ability to get through to the Euros. It should be an exciting week for us as a squad.
"Hopefully we can top the group with nine points and then go from there."
Tickets for all three games are on sale now - and also available at the gate. They area priced at £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions.
Call 01922 651 414/416 or visit www.saddlers.co.uk for tickets at Walsall or call 01283 565938 or visit www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk for tickets at Burton.
