Murphy relishes return after injury

Portsmouth winger Josh Murphy is glad to see the back of a "frustrating" and "stressful" time after returning from injury.

Murphy, who could have left the club in the summer, came off the bench in the 1-0 defeat against Stoke City, having not played mid-September.

He told BBC Radio Solent it was "great" to get on the pitch again.

"It's always frustrating to be on the sidelines," the 30-year-old explained

"I'm happy I'm back. I want to build some momentum and hopefully get some goals and assists for the team."

Murphy had not played since re-injuring his left ankle in the 0-0 derby draw against Southampton on 14 September

He sprained his left ankle in the build-up to the game and then felt it flare up again after just three minutes. Fluid around the tendons has since affected his ability to turn.

"The Southampton game was painful to play in", he added. "I tried to fight through the pain and probably made it worse.

"It's been a long rehab to try to get it better but I'm ready to crack on.

"I don't think any player is ever 100%, but I feel lot better than I did six weeks ago and feel my body is ready - so I just need to get my match sharpness."

And Murphy is thrilled his career is back on track with Pompey, having been heavily linked with a move away this summer - a period he described as "stressful".

"I didn't know whether I was coming or going," he added. "But it's done now. I still have big aspirations in my career and the club do as well, so I feel like everything is aligned.

"There is always speculation. That happens with every transfer window with every team, but I'm a Portsmouth player."