Club news

Hughton Highlights Murray’s Desire

By Kieran Cleeves • 25 August 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton praised striker Glenn Murray for showing his desire to compete in the Premier League, as the 34-year-old fired his first goal of the season ahead of today’s visit to Anfield.

The forward has led the line for Albion in both of their Premier League games this season, and Hughton highlighted the hard work and enthusiasm that Murray continues to show in the top flight.

He said,  “Glenn has a huge desire and reminds me of the professional who wants to play as long as possible. The only way he knows he can play as long as possible, at the highest level, is by putting in the work he does.

“It’s self-driven and he’s got a good environment to do it here. When you look at his performance on Saturday, it’s a performance where you wouldn’t even think about his age. You just think about what he was able to put into the game.

“He’s a more experienced player now. He’s not a classic striker of the ball, a number nine - Glenn’s not going to score too many goals from outside the box.

“But he has a knowledge and desire once the opportunities arise. That’s what all good strikers do, they get into the best possible positions to give themselves a chance.”

The Seagulls come up against Liverpool on Merseyside this evening, and Hughton chose to take the positives out of last season’s difficult meetings against the Reds.

“We played Liverpool at the end of the season and if I’m looking at desire to do well, they needed to win that game to guarantee Champions League football for this season. They turned up in full force and it was tough.

“As managers, we’ve all been involved in games where you’re well beaten. We’ve been on the end of results where there are fives and sixes - it’s normal as a manager and every manager will go through it.

“But it never felt that way against Liverpool last season - particularly the home one. We started that game really well, but they scored two goals within two minutes and the tie was over.

“I didn't think the gap was that massive between us, so I think that gives us a little comfort going into the game. But it doesn't take away from the fact that it’s one of the most difficult places to go and get a result.”