Murphy in demand

FOX IN THE BOX . . . Rhys Murphy provides a neat finish against Colchester.

CRAWLEY Town hasn’t given up attempts to take back Rhys Murphy — but the Athletic coaching team is keen to keep hold of a striker in red-hot form.

After returning from his three-month stint in the lower league, Murphy has struck twice in as many games for Athletic

Manager David Dunn has apparently changed his plans to accommodate the Arsenal academy graduate, who is on a run of 12 goals in his last 19 appearances across the two divisions.

Operating at the front alongside Jake Cassidy, the 25 year old has looked sharp in front of goal - quite a contrast to the struggles Murphy endured during a 13-game drought for Athletic up to last September.

Crawley say bringing Murphy back to League Two isn’t beyond possibility. Reds chief executive Michael Dunford confirmed talks have taken place about permanent move. Dunford admitted there would be plenty of ground to cover to get him to the club.

“It isn’t out of the question, but it won’t be an easy deal to conclude,” Dunford said.

Murphy simply wants to play as often as possible, rather than sit on the bench. Now back as a first choice, it was a different story at the start of the season when he featured only three times under then-manager Darren Kelly before heading out on loan.

“Lee Johnson brought me to the club and, unfortunately for me, a few weeks later he was then moving on himself to a new challenge,” Murphy said. “I signed for Oldham and I was there to score goals which I didn’t do.

“This year I came back fit and eager. I’ve spent the last few months playing regularly.”