JOSH Murphy’s return to Oxford United’s starting line-up in the league is reward for months of hard work, says his teammate Josh McEachran.

Murphy made his first Sky Bet League One start of the season in the 1-1 draw away to Reading in midweek.

McEachran though, who signed for United after leaving MK Dons in the summer, has been impressed by Murphy since he arrived at the club, and believes the winger should be playing at a higher level.

Murphy had played his entire career in the Premier League or the Championship, prior to joining the U’s last summer.

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“From day one in pre-season when I first turned up, he’s probably been the standout for me in training,” said McEachran.

“He’s been unbelievable, so for him to get his chance, I’m buzzing for him because he’s such a good guy and works hard every day.

“He definitely deserves it and he should be playing at a higher level than he is, but for whatever reason, he’s playing in League One.

“He can definitely go higher, but hopefully he can help us out as much as he can this season.”