Coventry City

The Norwich City loanee, who is on a season-long loan from the Canaries, took his tally for the season up to nine goals after his impressive brace against Crewe Alexandra.

Armstrong claimed his first professional hat-trick in the game as the Sky Blues started off the New Year in style at Gresty Road.

Murphy praised the impact of the Newcastle United loanee and has called on him to extend his stay with the Sky Blues until the end of the season.

Murphy said: "We got off to a flying start and we put them on the back foot straight away which helped us secure the game.

"When you've got Adam Armstrong leading the line like that, it's frightening for the opposition and he really punished them which was great to see.

"It was a pleasure to play with Joe Cole and James Maddison today. They're both really intelligent footballers and they really helped us find the positions in the forward areas.

"I really hope Adam stays as it will push us in the right direction for the rest of the season and with him in the team until the end of the season, hopefully we can secure a place in the top two."

The Sky Blues face a home double-header against Walsall and Burton Albion next week and Murphy hopes they can bring the confidence into those games.

He added: "I'm really happy with the goals I scored and I reckon I could have got a hat-trick as well. I took them well and it's important for me to get on the scoresheet.

"The defence did really well to keep a clean sheet and Reice has pulled off some great saves which should do his confidence the world of good.

"I set myself a goal target of 15 goals for the season and I'm making really good progress with it. With 20-odd games left, I should be reaching that target.

"We know now that there are two big games coming up for us and they would be great games to pick up points and that has to be the aim for us."