Jamie Murphy, the Motherwell forward, hopes his first goal for the Scotland Under-21s can help his campaign for a first-team spot at Fir Park.

The 19-year-old took less than three minutes of his first start for Billy Stark’s side to lash home Paul Caddis’s low cross against Northern Ireland on Tuesday night. The visitors went on to claim a 3-1 victory at New Douglas Park but Murphy was the outstanding player in dark blue. The teenager also hit the post and gave his markers plenty of problems with his skill and movement.

Murphy, who came on for his debut last month against Denmark, said: “It’s great. It’s the best thing to get picked for your country and to score is even better. I got a taste against Denmark. I looked about the team and most of them were playing first team, week in, week out. So that’s definitely where I want to be. I’m sure the real Scotland manager watches these games and if he is looking out for you, it can only be good.”

Murphy has made real strides towards becoming a first-team regular at Motherwell this season, netting twice in six starts for Mark McGhee’s men. “I’ve been quite pleased with how I have played but I’m always looking to improve and always looking to get a start,” he said.

“I think I started four games in a row and that can only help me. I certainly feel fitter. When I played a year or two ago and came on as a sub, I wasn’t as fit as the rest of the players. But I feel I’m getting up to the fitness of the rest of the team now.”

Murphy started through the middle last night before moving wide and he claims he is comfortable in both positions. “I’ll play anywhere,” he said. “As I was growing up, I have always played up front. It’s only recently I have been moved to right midfield, but either or is fine with me, just as long as it’s attacking.”

Murphy may have added another goal to his tally had he taken the 43rd-minute penalty Scott Arfield missed.

Arfield had taken the ball off Murphy after they appeared to begin taking part in a game of “paper, scissors, stone”. The same method was used before Charlie Mulgrew missed a penalty during September’s win over Slovenia after Ross McCormack had pleaded for the ball.

But Murphy revealed Caddis, the Celtic full-back, stepped in on Tuesday night to make the decision. “The skipper came over, Paul Caddis, and he decided for us,” Murphy said. “I was confident in Scotty; he has scored a couple of penalties for Falkirk this season. He was just unlucky.” (PA)