By Paul Jones
Josh Murphy says Mick McCarthy has put a smile back on the winger’s face and also revitalised Cardiff City.
Murphy had become a bit-part figure under former boss Neil Harris and was linked with a loan move away from the Welsh capital in the January transfer window.
But since the experienced McCarthy succeeded Harris, both Cardiff and Murphy look completely different with the former Norwich City – who cost the Bluebirds a hefty £11m in 2018 – appearing in four of McCarthy’s unbeaten matches.
McCarthy has taken the Bluebirds up to seventh in the Championship, restored confidence in last season’s play-off side, and is yet to lose since taking charge.
“I’ve got a smile on my face,” said Murphy, who scored Cardiff’s third in a 3-1 win over Coventry City on Saturday. “I think you can see the team morale at the moment.
“Everyone is thriving, looking forward to games, and putting a shift in. In the past, we weren’t getting the rub of the green and now things are falling our way.
“We’re taking our chances and everyone’s playing well. We need to keep that going. We’ve got a talented and successful squad who are used to having a winning feeling.
“That’s coming back now and we just want more and more. We’ve got momentum behind us and just need to keep pushing for results.”
Cardiff travel to Luton on Tuesday night, looking to continue their fine form under McCarthy.
“We feel we can get the best out of Josh. I feel we have the knack of getting the best out of players,” said McCarthy.
“Josh has real quality. I am delighted for him. I am always pleased to get the best out of players.
“Everyone is a confidence player. Josh is a player who creates things. I’ve just asked him to track back in the final third, but otherwise just to be him. Show us your feet and enjoy yourself.
“I don’t know what he was told before, but he’s doing that for me.”
Managed by Welshman Nathan Jones, the Hatters are looking for back-to-back victories after winning 1-0 away at Birmingham City last weekend.
Luton were beaten 4-0 by Cardiff back in November, a result that probably extended the shelf life of Harris, who had won only once in eight matches before that win sparked a purple patch of four straight victories.
McCarthy added: “Under Nathan Jones last season they make a miraculous escape [from relegation], a brilliant escape.
“He was fabulous before he went to Stoke, he did an amazing job with Luton, getting them up and how they were playing.
“He knows his way around and he knows how to get the best out of that Luton team.
“I haven’t seen them, I haven’t been watching them, but I know they will be passing, moving, a good footballing side and well organised.”
Jones is an admirer of McCarthy’s work in previous roles and said: “I had no doubt he was going to make an impact
“It was a great appointment from Cardiff, my hometown club, and I’m very pleased because I like Mick.
“Mick is one of the good guys, he’s honest, very respectful in the things he does and he has old-school respect in terms of his manners, the way he does stuff, how he speaks about other managers, his conduct, everything.”
McCarthy must decide whether to give Jonny Williams a debut, with the Wales midfielder now fit following his transfer window move from Charlton.
Goalkeeper Alex Smithies has missed two matches since going off with a mystery virus against Bristol City, while Sheyi Ojo is still a doubt because of a hip injury.
