It’s not often that a goalkeeper, who has conceded 12 goals in his first 6 games, is hailed as a hero, but this is the case for Matt Murray at this present time.
Matt Murray has quiet literally burst onto the scene from the shadows of Michael Oakes and is now, in the fans minds at least, firmly established as the number 1 keeper at the Molineux.
I had my doubts as to his future at Wolves as we were always trying to bring in cover last season, which seemed to indicate a lack of faith in his abilities, but having been given his chance, Murray has seized it with relish.
Another commanding performance on Saturday, obviously blighted by 3 goals conceded, none of which his defence left him with any chance of saving, has earned him a super fast-track call-up to the England U21 squad this week.
A great recovery from a shot spill denied Peter Ndlovu an equaliser for a short time on Saturday and every time Sheffield United put the ball into his territory he commanded it with a presence associated with the likes of Peter Schmeichel.
Ok, sometimes Murray is a bit lucky, but any defender will acknowledge that to have a keeper who comes and claims high balls, inspires confidence. His judgement will improve with experience but he is already showing signs of quality.
He’s a great shot stopper too and uses every inch of his six-foot three-inch frame to protect the goal which Lescott and Butler have given him plenty of practice in doing so, since his debut at Wimbledon.
Contrast this with the Dracula-like approach to crosses and reticence to move from his line of Oakes, and I think we can expect to see the ex-Villa keeper taking his rightful place on the bench for many months to come.
If only we could sort out the defence then we might be able to give Murray a peaceful weekend once in a while as at the moment we should be paying him overtime and danger money!
Murray has been one of the few highlights in a torrid 5-week period for Wolves and despite the number of goals conceded recently every Wolves fan I’ve heard is over the moon with Matt.
Let’s hope that Murray can continue to be such an inspiration for many years to come at the Molineux.
Come on the Wolves!
E-mail me with any comments/feedback to: dave@wolves-mad.co.uk