ELEVEN points clear of the play-off places, Newcastle United have taken another significant step towards the Premier League and yet Daryl Murphy insists the players will not be banking on promotion just yet.

Back-to-back victories over Brighton and Huddersfield, the two main rivals for a top-two spot, have put the Magpies in control in the race to the top flight.

Newcastle head to another Premier League hopeful, Reading, tomorrow night, looking to increase a five-point cushion they have to second-placed Brighton.

Despite the healthy gap and the recent statements of intent, Murphy is adamant Rafael Benitez will not see any of his players becoming complacent.

Murphy said: “There is no talk of promotion inside the dressing room. Of course we are now in a very good position but there are a lot of games to go and anything can happen.

“You can see that with the results every week, so we can’t take anything for granted. We have a nice points total but there are a lot of tough fixtures ahead. The manager would not be happy if he heard us talking about playing in the Premier League.

“He keeps hammering home to us that there are a lot of games in April and that is going to be the key.”

Murphy made only his third start since his £4.5m move from Ipswich last summer against Huddersfield. His fourth goal during that time put Newcastle two up and on course for the three points.

He accepted when he moved to Tyneside that he wouldn’t play as regularly as he had been at Ipswich, yet has still proven an important buy.

Newcastle have won the three games he has played in the league so far, while he has edged ahead of Aleksandar Mitrovic, who did not even travel to the John Smith’s Stadium, in the pecking order.

Murphy said: “It is great I am making an impact but I always knew I would.

“When I came I realised it would be hard to get into the team. I just have to be ready.

“There is a lot of competition. It is tougher now Dwight is back. Every chance I get I have to take it.”