Jacob Murphy has told Steve Bruce he's ready to prove himself a Newcastle United first team star this season.
The winger, loaned to Sheffield Wednesday last season, is back in Bruce's plans after a faltering start to his Toon career.
Murphy, landed for £6m from Norwich two years ago, scored in the Carabao Cup hammering of Morecambe, and now wants a chance against Spurs on Sunday.
He has found the step up to St James' Park tough, lacking confidence but with the athletic attributed to succeed.
Bruce has put a potential loan move on hold, after seeing his pace and potential.
Murphy said: “I feel like I have taken my chance but I have to keep going. That is just one game. I know how I played and I want to kick on.
Hearing what the manager said gives me a lot of confidence. We have several conversations. He keeps telling me to be patient and work hard which I have been doing and I know when I get an opportunity I have to perform.
“I want to keep getting opportunities to play for this club. I have developed my game. I am showing a lot more confidence.
“There will always be setback and you deal with them. I have stayed grounded and worked hard on the training pitch and I have given the manager food for thought.v
“That was my aim, to get into the thinking for Spurs on Sunday. That is the manager's decision and I have to do performances like that to get into his mind.”
Murphy scored for the edge of the box with a curling left foot shot he has been working on. He said: “I have practiced a left footed whippy, and Dwight Gayle texted me before the game to tell me to use it!”
Boss Bruce, delighted his second string his seven goals, said: “He’s improved enormously, and I’ve been very pleased with him, even though he hasn’t made the squad for the weekend.
"We’ve got a lot of players to choose from, but at this particular moment, I won’t be letting Jacob go.”
