BALL BOY TO BIG BHOY

Murray is ready to stake his claim after new deal and false dawn under Ange as he puts injury horror firmly in rear view mirror

- BY MICHAEL GANNON

THERE are several Celtic stars who have made the journey from ball boy to the Champions League big time at Parkhead.

But few have had to take a winding path like Dane Murray.

The big defender is dreaming of joining Callum McGregor, Kieran Tierney, James Forrest and Anthony Ralston in the band of Bhoys who got to help out their heroes from the sidelines as kids and then became star turns on the pitch.

The opportunity would be all the sweeter for Murray after having to wait almost four years to kick on after getting a taste as a teenager.

The centre back was pitched into the Hoops side in former boss Ange Postecoglou's early days in charge with high-pressure initiations in the Champions League qualifiers against Midtjylland in 2021.

But a brutal couple of back-to-back knee injuries threatened his career, never mind halting his progress.

Now Murray has put that heartache behind him and forced his way into boss Brendan Rodgers' first-team plans.

He celebrated a new contract on Friday with a start and a goal in the Premier Sports Cup win against Falkirk and is now dreaming of realising his ambition by walking out at Celtic Park in the Champions League.

Celts will need to see off Kairat Almaty this week to get back to the big time.

And Murray said: "It definitely makes it all worth it.

"You think back on hard times but it really stands you in good stead and puts you in a good place to win.

"Ultimately, if the chance comes, you have to go and take it.