Source: Team_Talk
Murphy left cold by RNK tie
Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy admits it is hard to get excited about Thursday's Europa League third-qualifying-round tie at RNK Split.[LNB] The 34-year-old won the competition a decade ago with Liverpool but faces a first leg tie against Croatian minnows Split, who finished third in the top flight last season after successive promotions from the fourth tier.[LNB]Murphy was quick to admit that such matches are difficult to get excited about and knows that he has become a little robotic in his approach to Europa League matches.[LNB]"It is not so much the early round, it's just playing in Europe," he said.[LNB]"We played in Europe a few years ago and it became that way. If it was new and the first time I had done it in 10 years then it might be a bit more exciting.[LNB]"But it is a job at the end of the day really, to get a job done, the result and get away and on with the next one.[LNB]"Hopefully we can get away with no casualties or injuries, so if there is a lack of excitement about it forgive me.[LNB]"But at this stage it is still a job that needs doing rather than one you get excited about.[LNB]"Let's be honest, up until now - or even now - the quality or knowledge of the opposition is limited.[LNB]"It's not like you're playing in front of 40,000 or 60,000 at a Shakhtar Donetsk or Juventus. It is what it is.[LNB]"It is not as exciting so you've just got to get the job done."[LNB]While RNK Split have excelled in the domestic game, Murphy believes the fact the Reds have to play away from their Park Mladezi Stadium home could help the visitors' cause.[LNB]The first-leg tie will be played 12 miles away at NK Dugopolje's Stadion Hrvatski Vitezovi and Murphy believes the neutral territory could prove beneficial to the Barclays Premier League outfit.[LNB]"I've only just found out that this is not their actual stadium," he added.[LNB]"Time will tell but I think that is a benefit for us because obviously if you're playing at a ground they're used to playing in all the time it is a proper a away game.[LNB]"But this is more of a neutral pitch, which I think will benefit us more than them.[LNB]"The plastic one [at Crusaders] was difficult because we were not used to playing on it.[LNB]"We avoided the early banana skin there and hopefully we will get the experience of training in the stadium, which does help. It really does help us prepare."[LNB]
