Josh Murphy readily admits he misses having his twin brother around – but there are definitely positives for him, to life after Jacob at Norwich City.
The twins had been heralded as the future at Carrow Road, especially following the academy’s FA Youth Cup success in 2013 under Neil Adams.
The pair also spent the 2015-16 season apart, as loan spells for Josh and Jacob at Championship MK Dons and League One Coventry respectively helped give them some important individual development time.
But the present is different. Jacob’s rise to England Under-21 prominence and £12m move to the Premier League with Newcastle United finally ended the pair’s run at Carrow Road – and no doubt left Josh to contemplate what it would mean for him, staying on at Norwich City.
“It’s been quiet,” said a matter of fact Josh. “It’s quiet now around the house. It’s a bit lonely and that, and I think he’s a bit lonely in Newcastle. But we text each other every single day as soon as we wake up, and then when we go to sleep and what not.
MORE: Michael Bailey’s six things learned from Norwich City’s Aston Villa growing pains
“So he’s fine. He’s up there doing his thing. I’m here at Norwich doing my thing. And as long as we’re playing well, then it doesn’t really matter.
“We always knew that at some point in our careers we would go our separate ways, and it’s happened now.
“And we’re big boys now too. We’re men. So it’s something you’ve got to deal with and although I miss him – and I’m sure he misses me – we just get on with it and as along as we’re playing well, then that’s the main thing.”
Jacob has had to be patient at St James’ Park so far. His top-flight debut came with a 10-minute cameo from the bench as Newcastle slipped to defeat at Huddersfield on Sunday, while Nottingham Forest’s Carabao Cup visit provided his first start, a cup exit and a difficult introduction to life on the Toon.
Meanwhile, his 22-year-old brother has been hitting some genuine form at City – notching a goal and assist in the 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa, before a brace of goals came his way in the 4-1 home League Cup win over Charlton.
• For more exclusive Norwich City news and videos, follow The PinkUn on Facebook
And Josh’s form shouldn’t be taken as a surprise, given he candidly believes there is a benefit to being the sole Murphy on City’s books.
“It’s easier to focus, because as a twin you’re always thinking I hope he does well – and that puts you off your game,” said Josh.
“But here now, I’ve only got to focus on myself and helping the team – the same as him at Newcastle.
“So we’re both just so focused on doing well now, we don’t have to worry about ‘oh no, you’ve lost the ball; come on Jake, come on Josh’. We’re just now playing with freedom and we’re just going to help each get through.”
• For the latest Norwich City news and opinion follow Michael Bailey on Twitter @michaeljbailey, Facebook @mbjourno and Instagram @mrmichaeljbailey
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here