/ Andy Naylor, Chief sports reporter
ALBION striker Glenn Murray has warned Newcastle and Aston Villa they will have to get used to being big scalps for their rivals in the Championship.
The relegated Premier League pair lost their first games 1-0 at Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, while Villa were also humbled by Luton in midweek in the League Cup.
Albion have a chance to open early daylight between themselves and the North-East and West Midlands giants against Nottingham Forest at the Amex tonight.
Murray, back with the Seagulls for the season on loan from Bournemouth, said: “The problem Aston Villa and Newcastle have got is that it’s everybody’s so-called cup final. I think they found that out and they’ll have to adapt to that.
“I don’t think there’s that much difference between the bottom five or six in the Premier League and the top five or six in the Championship. Players are more athletic in the Premier League and slightly more clinical.”
Murray feels no extra pressure returning to the Seagulls after free-scoring crowd favourites Leo Ulloa and Bobby Zamora.
He told The Argus: “I’ve just got to concentrate on myself, I can’t worry about what’s happened before.
“I’ve just got to focus on what’s in hand and try to help the club get to the Premier League.”
Albion are boosted tonight by the return to midfield contention of Dale Stephens following suspension and injury.
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Original article
ALBION striker Glenn Murray has warned Newcastle and Aston Villa they will have to get used to being big scalps for their rivals in the Championship.
The relegated Premier League pair lost their first games 1-0 at Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, while Villa were also humbled by Luton in midweek in the League Cup.
Albion have a chance to open early daylight between themselves and the North-East and West Midlands giants against Nottingham Forest at the Amex tonight.
Murray, back with the Seagulls for the season on loan from Bournemouth, said: “The problem Aston Villa and Newcastle have got is that it’s everybody’s so-called cup final. I think they found that out and they’ll have to adapt to that.
“I don’t think there’s that much difference between the bottom five or six in the Premier League and the top five or six in the Championship. Players are more athletic in the Premier League and slightly more clinical.”
Murray feels no extra pressure returning to the Seagulls after free-scoring crowd favourites Leo Ulloa and Bobby Zamora.
He told The Argus: “I’ve just got to concentrate on myself, I can’t worry about what’s happened before.
“I’ve just got to focus on what’s in hand and try to help the club get to the Premier League.”
Albion are boosted tonight by the return to midfield contention of Dale Stephens following suspension and injury.
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Original article