For the precocious talent, who is almost certain to face Nancy in Thursday night's UEFA Cup first-round decider, reminds McGhee of Liverpool striker Robbie Keane - his former protege at Wolves.

Murphy has started the last two matches, scoring once, after a lively display off the bench in a 2-1 defeat at Rangers.

The 19-year-old has been Well's best player - and his pace, skill and direct running could surprise the French side at Fir Park.

McGhee said: "I gave Robbie Keane his debut at 16, because I knew he was a good player - and in his first game of the season, he went out and scored two goals when we won 2-0 at Norwich.

"People were surprised I even had him in the squad, and he never looked back. Jamie Murphy in some ways reminds me of Robbie Keane, if at a slightly later stage in his career.

"If you are good enough, you are old enough."

Midfielder Stephen Hughes, who himself made his senior debut as a teenager with Rangers, agrees Murphy can be a key weapon as Well look to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

"He has brought something different every time he has come in, whether it's Nancy or St Mirren," said Hughes.

"He is unpredictable at times - and when gets the ball, he just goes on a run.

"Some teams can't live with it because he is quick, and he is a good finisher as well.

"I think Jamie will relish the opportunity to play in Europe - and he can be a big player for us."

McGhee is also revelling in the European stage and described this match as the biggest in his managerial career.

Nancy boss Pablo Correa angered McGhee in the first leg by calling for yellow cards and fouls before going down the tunnel without shaking hands.

"I just felt their attitude was that we didn't deserve to be on the same pitch," said McGhee.

"Every single challenge, no matter how trivial, was greeted by wails of anguish as if we weren't allowed to touch them.

"I thought they showed us contempt that we didn't deserve."

Correa seemed slightly perturbed when he faced the charges during a Fir Park press conference last night.

The Uruguayan said: "I don't remember being like that.

"I don't feel there was any problem at the time. After the match we will talk about it in a calm fashion.

"I know the mental state of my players is good and I have nothing more to add."

The controversy has helped to fire up an excited Motherwell support, with more than 11,000 tickets bought before the final day of sales.

McGhee summed up what would normally be described as the 'buzz' around the Lanarkshire club.

"There has been a resonance about the place this week," he said.

"If you put a tuning fork beside this main stand, it will make a nice humming noise."