Josh Murphy admits to mixed emotions after Norwich City's season – but hopes relegation to the Championship might just open a window of opportunity.

The 19-year-old established himself in City's squad, but while the dream of playing in the Premier League came true, so did the nightmare as the Canaries slid into the second tier.

But Murphy believes he has the perfect motivation to kick-on next season after watching what has happened to the likes of close friend Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Luke Shaw, who have all been named in England's World Cup squad.

'I'll look back on the season with mixed emotions, definitely,' said Murphy, who is currently with the England Under-19s at St George's Park preparing for the Elite Round of qualification for the 2014 Uefa U19 European Championship.

'Obviously I made my debut and played in the Premier League nine times and got 13 appearances altogether, so from a personal point of view it's been a great season – but obviously on a club level it hasn't been that good with relegation.

'But you have to look at it as an opportunity and maybe it will open doors and create new chances in the Championship – which I'm going to relish.

'But if someone had said to me back in August that I would have played more than 10 games for the first team I would have bitten their hand off for it because I never thought it would happen so soon.

'I just need to kick on now, help Norwich get back into the Premier League and be playing week in week out like people like Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Luke Shaw. That's what you've got to aspire to.

'It's crazy how things can change in such a short period of time,' he said. 'I know Raheem [Sterling] well and we used to play in the same team together. Now he's off to Brazil with the senior team and I'm so pleased for him. Obviously you've got Luke and Ross as well – who have been playing well all season too – and it just shows what the young players can do if they are given the chance.'

Murphy is part of an 18-man squad to face Scotland tonight – having beaten Montenegro 6-0 on Saturday, with Murphy winning a penalty and setting up another goal.

But Murphy knows there is work to do before he can follow in the steps of Sterling and Co.

'That's what every young player has to aspire to and what's happened to them is definitely a massive inspiration to us all,' he admitted.

'But I know I have a bit to go at the moment. I'm still young and I don't have much experience. But I know if I keep my head down, keep giving my all every time I play or train – then my time will come.

'That starts now – I need to perform well every time I'm with England Under-19s, then hopefully progress to the Under-21s – and then who knows.

'But it's certainly something you have to be thinking about – it's not at the top of my short-term list, but I'm just going to strive and work so hard – and what's happened to the guys shows that dreams can come true if you apply yourself correctly.'