Jacob Murphy reveals his next big challenge at Newcastle

The winger joined the club from Norwich City last summer in a £12million deal.

Murphy made 13 Premier League starts, and scored one goal, during his first campaign at the club.

The 23-year-old is looking to make a bigger impression on the pitch in the 2018-19 season, though he will face competition from Matt Ritchie, Christian Atsu and, potentially, a new winger.

Asked if it would be a big year for him, Murphy said: “I hope so. It needs to be, really.

“Hopefully, this will be my breakthrough season at the club.

“But I know that there’s going to be competition from Matty, Atsu, Rolando (Aarons), so I’ll be raring to go.”

Murphy, a boyhood United fan, admits he put too much pressure on himself after signing for the club.

“I put that pressure on myself, because I really wanted to make an impact,” said Murphy, who found form in a run of games midway through last season.

“Looking back on it now, maybe I shouldn’t have been so hard on myself, I should have just let it happen naturally.”

While it was a steep learning curve for Murphy, he enjoyed his first season in the Premier League.

“I really enjoyed it,” he said.

“I learned lots and lots from it. It was a massive step up from the Championship. I thought it would be difficult, but I didn’t realise how difficult it was.

“Once I adjusted to it, and got that run of games in around Christmas time, that’s when I felt I was really kicking on.

“In terms of the season as a whole, I improved as a player and settled in well with my team-mates.

“There’s a lot to adjust to (like) the pace, and then you’re playing against better players who know the game a bit more.

“You’ve got to be more switched on and figure things out on the pitch quicker than what you usually have to.”

Murphy is already back at work, having returned early ahead of the start of pre-season training on Monday.

“I’ve started with the work now,” said Wembley-born Murphy.

“I’ve got a massive season ahead.

“Personally, I know I’ve got to come back in tip-top shape and raring to go.”

Murphy is desperate to show fans what he can do on the pitch, having adjusted to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League.

“Now the fans know a bit more about me,” the England Under-21 international told NUFC TV.

“They will know even more about me, hopefully, this coming season.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Murphy’s especially looking forward to facing his twin brother Josh, who joined newly-promoted Cardiff City from Norwich this summer in an £11million deal.

“I’ll be buzzing to play against my brother in a competitive fixture,” said Murphy, who is used to playing alongside his sibling.

“It’s never happened before. It’s now at the point where I’m going to have to tackle him!”