HIBERNIAN midfielder Ian Murray was hailed by manager Mixu Paatelainen as the team's 'unsung hero' after he penned a new two-year contract to tie him to Easter Road until 2010.
The 27-year-old returned to his boyhood heroes in January in a move designed to revive a career which appeared to have been thrown into jeopardy following his controversial Bosman switch from Easter Road to Rangers in 2005.
The Scotland cap endure
d two managerial changes in his two years at Ibrox and also suffered a bout of reactive arthritis which kept him sidelined for the opening five months of last season and placed doubts over his long-term fitness.
However, a reunion with Paatelainen, a former team-mate in green and white, has breathed new life into Murray and Hibs as they battle for third place and the coveted Uefa Cup spot that it would earn.
"It is a timely boost to get Ian signed up on a new contract, it's great news," admitted Paatelainen yesterday as he looked ahead to tomorrow's vital encounter with third-place rivals Motherwell at Fir Park.
"Every player in our squad realises how much hard work and effort he puts into matches. He really works for the team, he's one of those unsung heroes. He goes through the pain barrier, wins tackles and starts the attacks. He's very important to us and I'm delighted he has committed to another two seasons with us."
Murray was, with John Rankin, one of Paatelainen's first recruits after the Finn succeeded John Collins in January and the combative defender's selection in midfield has helped Hibs bring about a change in style.
"I felt we needed that type of player in the squad," added Paatelainen. "I knew Ian really well from my playing days so there was less of a gamble in that and he has done exactly what I expected. I'm really happy with his form."
Murray expressed his delight at having done enough in the 11 games he has played since his return to earn an extension. And, although he harbours ambitions to join the growing exodus to 'soccer' in the United States, he has admitted he could spend the rest of his days with the team he grew up supporting.
"It's a possibility I could finish my career here," he said. "I'm not going to come out and say 'yes, definitely' because you don't know what's going to happen. It could pan out like it did at Norwich and Mixu could leave and someone else could come in.
"But I wouldn't rule it out. Hopefully I can stay settled."
The full article contains 442 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
