The 23-year-old, equally at home on the wing or as a central striker, has signed a three-and-and-a-half year contract at Bramall Lane and is determined to help the club win promotion to the npower Championship.

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall, a former Blades player who has already touted Murphy as a future international, played a key role in the player's decision to move to the club.

Murphy, who has spent 11 years at Fir Park, said: "I hope if I'm playing well someone will take notice. I can maybe make a push for the Scotland squad, but it's up to me to work that little bit harder. I wouldn't say I'm under their radar, but I'm sure the first cap is the hardest to get.

"The gaffer (McCall) has only said fantastic things about the club. He said it's a great move for me and wishes me all the best, so it's great to leave on those terms.

"If he said to me it wasn't a great club I don't think I'd be here. He means a lot to me, he's done a lot for my career, so I listen to his advice.

"Everyone wants to play at the highest possible level and I'm sure the club here are no different, so if I can be part of that then fantastic.

"I've never left the city of Glasgow to stay, so coming down here was a big decision, but it's definitely the right decision at this time and I'm looking forward to it.

"I'm an ambitious person myself and the club is; the club wants to push on and get higher and to be a part of that will be good."

Murphy could make his Blades debut at Oxford on Saturday in the third round of the FA Cup.