Victory teen Murphy earns shock Matildas call-up

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Victory teen Murphy earns shock Matildas call-up

Melbourne Victory teenager Alana Murphy has earned a surprise maiden Matildas call-up for this month’s SheBelieves Cup, replacing injured midfielder Clare Wheeler.

Murphy, 19, is a youth international who has established herself as one of the form midfielders in the A-League Women competition.

The hard-nosed, skilful defensive midfielder has one goal and one assist in 15 games this season.

Murphy joins Brisbane Roar’s Laini Freier as the only uncapped players in the squad, which will assemble after this weekend’s games.

Wheeler’s thigh injury is another blow to the Everton midfielder’s hopes of establishing herself at national team level.

The 27-year-old also missed last year’s friendlies against Brazil and Taiwan through injury and has consistently been a back-up to midfield stars Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross.

“The midfielder was medically withdrawn from the 23-player squad by her club, Everton FC Women after sustaining a thigh injury earlier this week,” Football Australia said in a statement.

“Wheeler will continue her rehabilitation with the club as part of her return to play plan.”

Australia will play Japan in their tournament opener on February 21 (AEDT) before facing the USA and Colombia.

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