KEVIN McStay hailed Michael Murphy a “once-in-a-generation footballer” that Donegal are lucky to have after he punctured Roscommon’s All-Ireland Super 8s campaign last weekend.
Murphy, who played most of last Saturday’s tie in Dr Hyde Park at full-forward, notched nine points – 0-5 from play – and was simply unplayable.
The debate over Murphy’s most effective position still rages – but McStay, an opposing manager, was clear about where he would prefer Murphy to have played on Saturday.
“As far away from the goal as possible,” he said.
“If he played full-back I’d be delighted. Has he ever tried goalie?”
McStay added: “His performance against us was fantastic. Like, he is a once-in-a-generation player that Donegal have had for 10 years when he played minor and U21 level.
“That size and to have that ability and power. He is the whole package. He is a marvellous, marvellous player.
“We don’t have a player like him yet. Donegal should celebrate him because they don’t come along too often.”
There is a sense that because of Murphy’s constant rotation between midfield, centre-forward and full-forward, his talent has been under-appreciated.
“He’s such a humble footballer,” McStay said.
Murphy started last Saturday’s Super 8s tie at midfield and bagged a ’45 and a free before making his way to the edge of the square. He hit three consecutive points from play towards the end of the half that provided Donegal with the platform for victory.
“He’s the real deal. Wouldn’t every team just love to have a player like him? Or four or five Murphys, then you’d be talking? He goes about his business and does whatever his manager wants and what’s best for the team.
“He knows how to manage the game perfectly. He knows how to draw his frees and he knows how to kick them. He knows the tempo of the game. He’s just a marvellous player.
"You can’t play him everywhere and, I suppose, that’s Declan’s problem. But he’s a great player.”
