Last updated at 14:03, Friday, 22 February 2013

Sharp-shooting Maryport footballer Glenn Murray is single-handedly firing Crystal Palace to the Premier League.

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The goal ace is enjoying a phenomenal campaign, with 28 strikes in just 31 games. Only Barcelona ace Lionel Messi has scored more goals at a top level this season.

Glenn, who was born and bred in Maryport, helped to knock Manchester United out of the League Cup in front of 52,000 people at Old Trafford last season.

He spent his teenage years at Netherhall School, and his parents Anne and Martin live in the Wigton area.

The 29-year-old, who lived in Maryport town centre as a youngster, said: “I’ve never had a season like this. I don’t think many strikers have.

“A lot of my success is down to the rest of the team. It makes my job easy when there is that much quality around me.”

The former Workington Reds and Carlisle United player’s previous best came during the 2010/11 season when he netted 22 in 50 games to help Brighton & Hove Albion win the League One title.

He has scored three times in his last two games to keep Palace on track for at least a play-off spot.

He started his career at Netherhall 13 years ago.

Joint manager Billy Gilmour said: “Even as a 16-year-old playing for us, Glenn would have sold his grandma for a goal. He’s a poacher. He always has been.

“Glenn has always been a quality footballer. I saw it in him as a lanky 16-year-old, and he’s continued to get better and better.”

Steve Durham, who was Reds’ secretary during Glenn’s prolific spell at Borough Park, saw him score 41 goals in 70 appearances.

He said: “I realised Glenn was a special talent during the 2002-03 season when he emerged as Reds’ top scorer with 25 goals from just 29 appearances – and still only 19.

“He had an abundance of self-confidence, a desire to succeed, a selfish streak and a good football brain – all the qualities of a good striker.

“I feel proud that our club played a small part in his progress.”

First published at 13:05, Friday, 22 February 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk