Murphy forgets the pain

But the Anfield midfield man, who has now twice scored against Manchester United, says his own situation was put into perspective by the tragedy that struck Jason Euell.

Murphy is a long-time pal of the Charlton striker and he was horrified to hear that Euell's baby died when his girlfriend was giving birth.

And that, Murphy said, is real hurt, not his own bruised feelings at the jeers of a few fans.

"I was feeling low and sorry for myself after the jeers when I was taken off last Saturday during the 1-1 draw with Southampton," he said. "Then I recalled what Jason has been through.

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"Suddenly, to have a few fans turn against you pales into insignificance. Thinking about it brought a few things home to me, and what is really important.

"Whatever happened to me at the time just doesn't compare to that in any way, does it?"

Murphy was one of the few members of his side who still took responsibility during their recent bad run.

"I am not like Robert Pires who is all flair, beats people and dribbles past people," he said. "But I will certainly put the graft in, defend and try and get into the box, and try and get us a goal.

"We want Anfield to be a place where we go out and intimidate teams, not feel intimidated ourselves."