Josh Murphy is still key to Cardiff City’s bid to get back in the big time, after the Bluebirds reportedly rejected a late offer from Scottish giants Celtic to sign the former Norwich City youngster.

Murphy struck a brace in the midweek 3-3 FA Cup draw with Reading, only for Neil Harris' men to crash out of the competition on penalties.

The 24-year-old moved from Carrow Road for a reported £11m in June 2018 and caught the eye, despite Cardiff's brief top flight stay, in 29 Premier League appearances last season.

But Murphy has since found game time harder to come by under Harris, who replaced Neil Warnock in November.

That prompted a loan, with an option to buy, offer from Celtic two days before the close of last week's transfer window according to reports north of the border.

"He divides opinion within the fan base," said Harris, quoted on the BBC after Murphy's midweek FA Cup brace. "I get that all the time when I'm stopped in coffee shops or supermarkets.

"He divides opinion. That is ultimately what he is as a wide player.

"When he's hot, like he was against Reading, he's unplayable.

"And when he's not and when it doesn't quite come off for him, you can question how much he's done on the pitch. But that is the sort of player he is."

Murphy made 92 league appearances for the Canaries in a six-year stint after making his name in the club's FA Youth Cup winning squad under Neil Adams, alongside his twin Jacob.