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Jacob Murphy has barely had a look in for much of the season under Rafa Benitez, but the Newcastle midfielder may have played his way into the Spaniard’s starting XI with his performance against Blackburn.

The 23-year-old had only featured in ten games for the Magpies before Tuesday night’s FA Cup replay at Ewood Park, with his Premier League minutes totalling 300 for the term.

Go back a year and fans were raving about the midfielder’s performances in the FA Cup against Luton Town, and even in the Premier League when Manchester City steamrolled their way through St James’ Park, but he has been forced back onto the fringes ever since.

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His performances for much of the current campaign have given Benitez enough reasons to drop the Norwich academy graduate, with Murphy particularly struggling against top six sides Arsenal and Manchester United.

His rare start against Everton, however, resulted in the 23-year-old assisting Salomon Rondon’s opening goal of a 1-1 draw. But again his lack of end product still come through, as he misplaced three of his four attempted crosses, and despite his positive impact he came under fire from lots of Toon fans on Twitter for his display, proving he is much-maligned by portions of the St James' Park faithful.

That recurring theme was again prevalent against Blackburn on Tuesday night, when Murphy could only find a teammate with two of his ten attempted balls into the box – he did at least offer a threat throughout the game from both flanks.

The duel-wing threat Murphy presented came courtesy of Benitez rotating the former England Under 21 international between either flank, after starting the winger initially on the right.

Blackburn’s David Raya Martin, whose error led to Joselu’s extra-time goal, was also tested by Murphy, who took three shots throughout the game and only once failed to fire towards the target – Murphy also had one shot blocked.

The 23-year-old also led the game for dribbles attempted, and was the only Newcastle player to complete more than one – Matt Ritchie on the opposing side of the field tried four, and failed them all.

With Saturday’s game at home to Cardiff vital to get the Magpies out of the bottom three, Benitez should think long and hard about not starting Murphy, as his performance should have done enough to warrant taking on the current 17th best side in the Premier League.