Striker Ronan Murray is targeting his first league goal having made impressive strides in the opening months of the season. The 19-year-old netted his first senior goal on his debut when he came on as a sub in the Carling Cup victory at Exeter but is yet to score in the Championship.

Murray joined Town’s academy at 15 from Erris United in County Mayo after being spotted by former Blues striker Robin Turner, who is now a referee in the west of Ireland.

The Irish U19 international told the club site that a first league goal is his current main aim: "I have come off the bench lately and have been told by the staff I have done OK so I have to build on that and look to keep improving.

"My next goal is scoring a league goal. I thought I had scored at Watford the other week. I have nearly done it in other games but nearly isn't good enough. Hopefully the signs are there that I can come on and score and I need to prove that I can do that."

Manager Roy Keane has been impressed with Murray's performances, although said after the recent Watford game that the 5ft 7in tall frontman is not yet ready to start a first team match: “He’s got the heart the size of a lion, but at this moment in time he’s more of a substitute. Physically he still has to do a bit more.

“That said, the other night he looked more likely to score than anybody and credit to the boy for that. Same when he came on at Exeter. We can talk about what he lacks, but he gets in the right areas and he’s tenacious.”

Murray has now made eight first team appearances, all from the bench. Five in the Championship and three in the Carling Cup.

Photo: Action Images

Back_The_Boss added 13:37 - Nov 4 It's only a matter of time, he certainly has a bright future. COYB!
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bluelady added 16:09 - Nov 4 Whoppit,I couldnt agree more, and in future I promise to look out for your positive comments too - was just a shame with this one that your first really positive comment was followed so shortly after with a negative, took the shine of your initial one if that makes sense?
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whoppit added 16:43 - Nov 4 Bluelady - Ronan is an exciting prospect but I still think that he needs 6 months or so playing with a lower league side to get some experience. He is not ready for Chmpionship football and I think a loan would benefit him. As for the negative post and you can agree or not, Keane has left us so short of strikers that if we have any injuries we may have to call on Ronan and I do not think he is ready. I wasn't a huge fan of Stead but couldn't we have kep him as cover? Keane, in my opinion, should have had a little foresight.

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whoppit added 16:44 - Nov 4 But yes Bluelady - I see where you are coming from......
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bluelady added 21:13 - Nov 4 agree we are short Whoppit, but maybe Keane told he had to get rid of Stead and his high wages to pay for Scotland, know which one id rather keep? Who knows what goes on behind the closed doors of the club, I do know ME may have felt he wasted a lot of money last year so has been much tighter with the purse strings this year. Unlike you though i am starting to feel the love for Prisken...

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