Jacob Murphy's return to goals at Sheffield Wednesday may make re-signing him even harder - "We'll See", says Garry Monk

Murphy scored nine league goals for Coventry City in League One back in 2015/16 and then matched that tally once again for Norwich City in the Championship the following season, however got just three goals in the two seasons that followed as he split his time across the top two tiers for Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion.

Now, having played a major part – scoring, assisting or winning penalties – for eight of the Owls’ 12 goals since the restart, he’s drawn praise from the SWFC boss for his efforts in South Yorkshire since his loan began.

Monk spoke highly of the Newcastle man, saying, “I’ve been very pleased with him, and his improvement. I sat with him when he came in, and we talk a lot about that consistency - I think his performance levels have been much more consistent.

“There’s still a little bit of roughness and rawness to him in certain situations - especially in the final third with his delivery and that side of things. But I think his attitude towards it has been fantastic, and I’ve really enjoyed working with him - like I have all the lads.

“Their attitude’s unquestioned, and him in particular. I’ve seen the improvement in him, and that’s what we’re looking for.”

Meanwhile, on the possibility of bringing ‘Murphs’ back to S6, Monk said, “We’ll see. Right now it’s been all the concentration on these games and training, and trying to get them as ready as possible for games.

“Now that’s finished, the work begins. We’re trying to find out what we can and can’t do and the concrete side of things. Trying to get whatever it may be across the line. It is going to be a quick turnaround. We’ve got half the time that we’d normally have and probably double the work."

Murphy played more league minutes for SWFC (2294) than he did in the last two seasons combined, and may be open to an Owls return.

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