Club news

Murray Keen To Strengthen Izquierdo Partnership

By Kieran Cleeves • 18 April 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion striker Glenn Murray praised team-mate Jose Izquierdo for his contribution over recent months, and believes his partnership with the Colombian will only improve further with time.

Izquierdo won Albion’s penalty in their 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur last night, which Pascal Gross converted, and Murray praised the 25-year-old, who caused problems down the left wing at the Amex Stadium.

He said, “Jose’s been a huge part of the team and our upward curve in the second half of the season. He’s a big threat for us - and not only me, but the whole team are getting used to playing with him.

“We obviously know what he’s very good at, and I’m just trying to get a good understanding with him.

“Sometimes partnerships form quickly, overnight - like mine with Pascal. But sometimes they take a little bit more work, possibly like mine with Anthony [Knockaert] last season.

“But I’m sure me and Jose will get better and better the more we continue to play together.”

The Seagulls moved another point closer to Premier League safety on the south coast, and Murray reflected on a hard-working performance from Chris Hughton’s team, which moved them eight points clear of the relegation zone.

“It’s a huge point for us and another step in the right direction. A lot of people think we’re going into a tough run of fixtures, but we’ve taken a valuable point from the very first one.

“We’ve had a lot of these games this season, where we’ve sat in and defended well. Maybe we haven't quite got what we deserved, but I felt we did this time.

“It wasn’t perfect for me - I didn't get any opportunities - but it was about the team and working hard as a member of the 11.

“We’ve had a tough four days. Saturday was obviously disappointing, but we worked hard [against Spurs] and got our reward.”

Murray revealed that Hughton made the decision to swap Albion’s penalty taker for the visit of Spurs, and the striker showed his acceptance towards the switch, as Gross beat Hugo Lloris from 12 yards to earn a share of the spoils.

“Sometimes you’ve got to go with his decision. I respect him as a manager and he’s my boss. That was his decision and it turned out to be the right one.

“We don’t really practice them in training, but Pascal has always been second on the list. With me missing my second one, it was only right that Pascal got his chance.”