MURPHY Smith has been voted March's Bullbuilder Player of the Month following a string of impressive displays for our Academy outfit.

Smith, who comes from the Guiseley Rangers community club, is a winger whose attitude and commitment in training and on the field has stood out this season.

Head of youth John Bastian said: “Murphy is a player that all the coaching staff, including myself, Leigh Beattie, Mark Dunning and the strength and conditioning team can’t speak highly enough of.

"He’s even caught John Kear’s eye with his performances for the u19s.

"He’s young man that displays the highest standards when it comes to attitude and application.

"He really strives to learn and improve, as a winger and as an athlete.

"His performances this year are of the most honest I’ve seen in 20 years of youth development.”

Murphy, who is in his second year in the u19s is studying his A-levels at Benton Park High School.

Bastian added: “We’d like to commend and thank the staff at Benton Park and the coaches at Guiseley Rangers for the effort and commitment they’ve shown Murphy.

“All the staff are delighted with his progress this year.

"He’s played every game so far and as a winger he can finish well but he’s also never afraid to make the hard carries or put his shoulder in when it comes to defence.

"He’s one of the first names Leigh Beattie puts down on his team sheet.”

BullBuilder chairman Paul Butterworth said: “Murphy is very highly thought of.

"He’s a talented player with an excellent attitude.

"We’re pleased to be awarding him the BullBuilder U19s Player of the Month award for March."

Murphy will receive his award at pitchside at half-time during the match against Barrow on April 22.