Crewe midfielder Luke Murphy has said he is happy with the way he has adapted to first-team football.

The 19-year-old, who is a graduate of Crewe's academy, has made five appearances for the Alex since his debut against Swindon in December.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "I was on the fringes of the team under Steve Holland and then Dario Gradi gave me a chance.

"Hopefully Gudjon Thordarson has seen that I've been able to cope in the team and carries on picking me."

Thordarson took charge of Crewe for the first time in Saturday's 2-2 FA Cup third round draw at Millwall and Murphy said he has already been impressed by the Icelander.

"In the dressing room his team talk was good, he's obviously a very good motivator," said Murphy.

"What he says is the truth, he tells it how it is so I like him."

And despite an assured start to life as a first-team player, Murphy said he knows he has to work hard if he wants to keep keep his place in the starting line-up.

"I've got to push on from here because if I don't play well I'll be out of the team," said Murphy.

"I've got to follow James Bailey's example. He started the season in the team and could have been left out if he hadn't performed.

"But he's pushed on established himself in the team and that's what I want to do," he added.

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