Ex-Motherwell forward Jamie Murphy wins SPL monthly award

Former Motherwell forward Jamie Murphy has won the Clydesdale Bank Premier League player of the month award for December.

Murphy, who left Fir Park for Sheffield Utd in January, scored five goals in his last five outings for the Steelmen.

The attacker began his career at Motherwell and made 176 appearances for the Fir Park Club.

The 23-year-old made his Sheffield debut in their 3-0 FA Cup victory over Oxford United.

"I won the young player of the month award once before but it's nice to win this one in my last month in Scotland," he said.

"It was a big month for the club and I'm glad to have made a contribution.

"The results were mostly good. I wanted to leave on a high and, although we lost at Celtic Park in my last game, we had some good results and displays prior to that."

Murphy said he has "no regrets" over his decision to leave Fir Park. "We played on Saturday in the FA Cup and won 3-0," he said.

"It was a good start and we've got Reading in the next round. The idea of playing different teams I've never faced before was another reason for coming down.

"Sheffield United want to get promoted this season and you never know what can happen in the Championship.

"It's a big year for the club and if we can get promoted then I'm sure we'll push on.

"I'd been at Motherwell for 11 years and a change will be good for me and hopefully improve me as a player."