The highly-rated centre-back, who turned 18 in June, has now completed his move to the Magpies from hometown club Galway United after a deal was agreed in May for the Irish youngster to join Newcastle's Academy in July.

The Republic of Ireland under-18 international, who considers himself a "ball-playing centre-back who can also play at left-back", is relishing the move to Tyneside and explained his reasons in pledging his future to Newcastle after attracting attention from a number of clubs.

Murphy, who played 20 league games for Galway's first-team in 2022, told nufc.co.uk: "I'm over the moon to be joining Newcastle. It's a massive club to be signing for. Twelve months ago, I maybe couldn't have seen myself in this position but it's a dream come true to join a Premier League team.

"When I came into the Academy a few months ago for the first time, I just got a really good feel for the place and everyone made me feel welcome. They had a good chat with me, showing me strengths, weaknesses and what I need to improve on which was a big thing for me wanting to join straight away.

"I wouldn't say it was difficult to move away from Galway (United) because when they (Newcastle) came in, I knew I would go immediately but I'd say it was difficult leaving friends, family and moving to a new country.

"At the end of the day, though, this is what I want to be doing and I'm looking forward to the challenge. The goal is to get into the first-team as quickly as possible. While I'm here, I aim to play as many games for the under-21s and then maybe go out on loan if they wanted me to."

Comfortable in playing out from the back and dominant in the air, Murphy - along with Newcastle's under-21 squad - flew out to Spain on Tuesday ahead of a six-day training camp in Pinatar.

Approaching his first week of training with his new club, the Annaghdown-born defender, who made his senior debut for Galway at the age of 16, has enjoyed the trip abroad, admitting it has helped him bond strongly with his team-mates.

Murphy, who has captained his country at under-18 level, added: "It's been a good training camp so far. It's obviously been tough due to the heat but pre-season is meant to be tough and they're trying to make us better even if it's hard. It's all to benefit us, which is good.

"The climate is very different - I don't know if I'd be able to play over here if I ever moved. It's a bit too hot!

"Coming here (to Spain), it's been easier for me to get to know my team-mates more quickly. We're with each other 24 hours a day whereas in Newcastle it would just be training and gym work. I think it's been a good week to come in."

Murphy could be line in make his debut for Newcastle's under-21 side this week as United's second-string take on La Liga outfit Elche CF in their first of four pre-season friendlies before the 2022/23 Premier League 2 campaign kicks off in August, with the Irishman excited to take on the Spanish top-flight outfit.

"It should be a good test," he added. "I can't wait to play and see what the level is like, comparing myself to others and seeing how I get on. Hopefully, I can impress which is what I'm here to try and do.

"They finished 13th in La Liga last season so they're a very good side and it will be good to see how we get on against strong opposition."