Rushian Hepburn-Murphy received his first Aston Villa start in Tuesday evening’s EFL Cup First Round clash with Yeovil Town.
Learning curve tonight but we’re through to the next round!🦁⚡️#avfc pic.twitter.com/Rj6DIHyCvb
— Rushian H-Murphy (@Rushcmpt) August 14, 2018
Taking a 1-0 victory on the night with Conor Hourihane scoring a second-half goal as Jonathan Kodjia turned into the provider, 19-year-old Hepburn-Murphy was rewarded by manager Steve Bruce for his efforts and continued development in the game as he was one of a couple of youngsters leaned on to freshen things up.
With substitute showings so far in 2018/19 in matches against Hull City and Wigan Athletic, RHM had deserved the start but being one of nine changes overall, that probably didn’t help him – but he certainly put the effort in and that was richly appreciated by fans.
Tweeting himself following the narrow victory, he took the praise back from our social media fans. Acknowledging how tough and tricky the game was, with his comment of ‘learning curve’ probably went over extremely well.
Rushian worked his nuts off tonight… Shame the tactical setup and game plan let him down ????????
— Rich Griffiths (@RJG8283) August 14, 2018
Disagree with this. He's not a powerhouse you stick up top to hold the ball up. Needed a partner to work with, looked isolated at times.
— Harry Fairclough (@Harry_Fa26) August 14, 2018
You did your best Rush. Can't be easy seeing the ball fly over your head time after time.
— Chez Avfc (@AvfcUTV1) August 14, 2018
You did well mate. Gotta be tough for you to play against two huge defenders. Well done mate and good luck for the season ????????
— The Religion – AVFC (@AVFC_Religion) August 14, 2018
Hard to play if they are giving you the ball up in the air. You caused problems with what posession you had #utv
— Jack Morris (@f0108a6dbde0462) August 14, 2018
Pop to the chippy or Chinese on the way home.. you must be hungry after being fed scraps for 60 minutes. Worked hard up top on your own, well done.
— Jacko (@SheikhJacko) August 14, 2018
Also RHM – have a word with your colleagues, if they're lumping it and you want it to you feet, tell them. It might help to mix things up a little! UTV
— John Cooper (@coops_bhx) August 15, 2018
Definite learning curve, good energy, movement and attitude shown. It will come as you have the talent ????UTV
— Nick West (@nickwesty83) August 15, 2018
Important thing is your hard work and willingness to learn. Keep those going and you will keep the fans with you Rush. We have all seen glimpses of your brilliance and have every confidence that you will be bringing that to the first team regularly soon. Keep up the good work!
— Robert Hardy (@robert_p_hardy) August 15, 2018
Baptism of fire against those Centre halves. Tough gig. Onwards
— ⚽️????Villafied Views ????⚽️ (@Villafied77) August 15, 2018
It’s fair to say some comments weren’t as positive, and no doubt RHM would’ve hoped for a better full senior bow but now it’s over to the lad himself to make more of his next opportunity and show it was a ‘learning curve’ that he’s completely learned from.
