Dane Murray on 'crazy' Celtic 24hrs and reflects on journey

The National

a day ago

Hoping to make a first-team breakthrough this season, the young centre-back, 22, staked his claim after being handed a start against Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup. Helping to limit John McGlynn's side at one end, he capped it all off with a headed goal at the other.
It came on the same day as the Parkhead club announced their academy product had signed a new deal, committing himself until the summer of 2028. Murray admits he will struggle to enjoy a better 24 hours.
'I don't think you can get much better than that," he said post-match. "It's been a crazy 24 hours, but no, I'm really happy.
'It (the contract) came about quite quickly.
'It's really been the last week or so, so everything's moving fast. Everything was really easy with the club. So yeah, happy to get it done.
'I was thinking, imagine how good this day could be if I go and score, so luckily it came through. "
Achieving longevity at a club with such high standards is difficult in itself but Murray deserves even more credit considering he has been plagued by injury issues and missed long spells of football.
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Plenty would have wilted, unable to push themselves to respond to such drastic setbacks and stay at a club with spending power to go out and buy ready-made stars for big money.
Reflecting on the hard times, the defender insists it actually helped him build resilience. Friday's events made it all worthwhile.
'It definitely makes it all worth it," he admitted. "You think back on hard things, but it really stands you in good stead and puts you in a good place.
'It's just about being on it every day in training, making sure I'm ready that when my chance does come, I'm ready to take it."
It is not the first time Murray has had a pinch-me moment in the green and white hoops. Four years ago, he was handed his debut by Ange Postecoglou in a Champions League qualifier against Danish side Midtjylland, featuring in both legs."
He would later come on as a substitute in a league phase game of the competition against Aston Villa.
'I think it all happened very quickly," he reflected. "I was 18 at the time, it was all not too quick for me, or too early, but I think now I'm definitely ready to take that chance.
'It was a crazy, crazy time back then, I'm just looking forward to the future.
'I was young so I think that probably came into a part of it as well. It was COVID times as well, so it was a lesser crowd, so I think it's different for games like this when it's near enough packed out.
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'So I think that probably played a part as well, but I think when you're that young, you just want to take every opportunity you can get, regardless.
'You dream of Champions League and nights like that, going out and playing, so we'll see what happens.
'That was a bit crazy at Villa Park. I think there was maybe ten minutes left, and it wasn't a great night for myself, what happened – thanks for reminding me!
'I was just grateful for the opportunity. That's the goal for this team, is making it through the Champions League and getting as far as we can.'
That all saw him go full circle years after performing the role of ball boy in Champions League clashes as a young kid.
Murray added: 'I was a ball boy in a few of the big ones. I think going from doing it as a ball boy, to then ultimately playing in it, when I did, and then being a part of it now, it's crazy. It's been a long journey, but no, I'm just loving every minute of it.
'This is what I want to be, look at the players that have been here, ultimately been here and done it. I think, for me, it's just a real driving force to go and do what they've done at this club.
'It really gives you a lot of inspiration coming through, seeing these guys and what they've won.
'You've got guys like James (Forrest) here, who's the most decorated player at the club.
'He's probably sick of people saying that, to be honest, but you can look at guys like him and Cal and then KT coming back as well, it's really inspiring.
'I think it's always been a factor at this club, so yeah, ultimately, hopefully I can be a part of it as well.
'In training every day, just learning off everybody, taking it in my stride, and hopefully when I get my chance, I can take it."