ANTONIO Murray made a winning start in the SPL for new club Hibernian and immediately paid tribute to the Ipswich Town Academy coaches, writes Derek Davis.

ANTONIO Murray made a winning start in the SPL for new club Hibernian and immediately paid tribute to the Ipswich Town Academy coaches, writes Derek Davis.

The midfielder was a surprise starter for third-placed Hibs at Livingston, just hours after signing for the Edinburgh club, but helped them to a 2-0 win which keeps them on course for a European place.

Injury and suspensions helped, but Guilaume Beuzelin was left on the bench as Tony Mowbray gave Murray his debut.

Murray last night told the EADT: “It was a big surprise for me, as I didn't expect to start. Mogga said I did well and I felt it went all right, although I have to admit the pace was quicker than I expected.

“I would put the standard on a par with the Championship but, obviously, when it comes to Celtic and Rangers they are in a different class.”

The 20-year-old Cambridgeshire lad, who made just one substitute appearance for the Blues, is looking forward to the new challenge but is sure his Ipswich Town upbringing will help immensely.

He said: “I really enjoyed my time at Ipswich and I want to thank the coaches there for everything they did.

“I learnt an awful lot there and got a lot of help from people in the Academy. You couldn't ask for a better place for coaching and for what they do for young players on and off the pitch.”

“I'm here until the end of the season so it is down to me. Working with Mogga and Mark Venus was a big factor in me coming here but it is a big chance.

“Mogga has told me that he believes in my ability but it is up to me to prove I want to be a player and I intend doing just that.”

Murray has linked up again with former Blues reserve-team striker Sam Morrow, who is helping him settle in, but he is learning very quickly how well Mowbray is doing at Easter Road.

He said: “The fans absolutely love him here. He has got Hibs playing really good, attacking football. We are third in the table and people tell me the supporters are coming back in big numbers.”

Mowbray will hand defender Chris Hogg a similar opportunity at the end of the season, when his contract expires with the Blues, after missing out during this transfer window due to a potentially life-threatening accident while chasing thieves in his home-town Middlesbrough.