'He’s going to be a really, really good player,' Rodgers praises Dane Murray

Looking to establish himself in the first team this season, the 22-year-old centre-back took his chance when named in the starting lineup against Falkirk in the Premier Sports League Cup.

Solid in defence alongside Auston Trusty against John McGlynn’s side, Murray rounded off the night by scoring wit h a glancing header after an excellent delivery from Arne Engels.

On the very day Celtic confirmed their academy graduate had agreed a new contract running until 2028, Murray acknowledged it would be hard to top such a memorable 24 hours.

Speaking post-match via Daily Record, Murray said: “I don’t think you can get much better than that. It’s been a crazy 24 hours, but no, I’m really happy. It [the contract]came about quite quickly. It’s really been the last week or so, so everything’s moving fast. Everything was really easy with the club. So yeah, happy to get it done. I was thinking, imagine how good this day could be if I go and score, so luckily it came through.”

Maintaining a long career at a club with such exacting standards is challenging, but Murray’s efforts are even more commendable given his history of injuries and extended periods out of the game.

Looking back on the difficult periods, the defender says they helped him develop resilience, and the experiences of Friday made everything feel worthwhile.

“It definitely makes it all worth it,” he said. “You think back on hard things, but it really stands you in good stead and puts you in a good place. It’s just about being on it every day in training, making sure I’m ready that when my chance does come, I’m ready to take it.”

Murray added: “This is what I want to be, look at the players that have been here, ultimately been here and done it. I think, for me, it’s just a real driving force to go and do what they’ve done at this club.”

“It really gives you a lot of inspiration coming through, seeing these guys and what they’ve won. You’ve got guys like James here, who’s the most decorated player at the club. He’s probably sick of people saying that, to be honest, but you can look at guys like him and Cal and then KT coming back as well, it’s really inspiring.”

“I think it’s always been a factor at this club, so yeah, ultimately, hopefully I can be a part of it as well. In training every day, just learning off everybody, taking it in my stride, and hopefully when I get my chance, I can take it.”

And at yesterday’s media conference at Celtic Park, Brendan Rodgers was asked how confident he would be if he had to throw Dane Murray into an environment such as this evening’s Champions League playoff.

“Yeah, I would have no qualms with Dane,” Brendan said. “I think what we have at the minute, we’ve got five centre halves, of which I know through my experiences that you actually need that throughout a long season where players pick up injuries and whatnot.

“Dane came through his first preseason since he was 18, this summer was his first complete one. He came through it really, really well. And me looking at him and seeing him coming through that, I’ve been a big admirer of him and I think he’s got all the tools to reach the very highest level.

“You know, his size, his pace with the ball. And once he gets a fraction more development, then he’s going to be a really, really good player.

“His challenge now at the minute is he’s competing with Cameron Carter-Vickers, who’s been the stalwart here. But I’ve got no doubt over the next 12 to 18 months, there was lots of clubs have asked about him on loan and that’s what I’ve had to weigh up, do I send him out, do I keep them here?

“But no, he will stay here because I think he’s a player, he will contribute for us. And okay, at the beginning now, he might not be playing every single week, but I know like against the Premiership team the other night, have no qualm. Bam, in you go. If he had to play tomorrow night, I would have no qualm.

“But he’s competing on that right side with Cam. And I’m hopeful that over time he can really go and show his qualities. But more importantly, I want him here and here to show what he can do for Celtic. And there’s no doubt he’ll get games.

“I’m so happy for him, such a tough, I’ve seen him play here in the game when he was 17, 18 and then he’s had a couple of horrendous injuries. But he’s used that to his advantage by going away and getting, see him now, he’s 6 foot 4, his body, his shape, everything’s, he’s really robust and strong and he looks like a proper center half. I’ve been really pleased with Dane, happy for him he signed his deal and now he needs to work hard to get to sign the next one.”

High praise indeed for Dane Murray from his manager. Great to see!

Conor Spence

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