Dartford midfielder Keiran Murtagh’s attitude after losing his place in the starting line-up has been exceptional, says assistant manager Christian Jolley

Dartford assistant boss Christian Jolley has heaped praise on “exceptional pro” Keiran Murtagh.

The midfielder scored the only goal of the game as Darts beat Slough on Tuesday - his first start in more than two months.

“Keiran has been an exceptional pro,” lauded Jolley. “Praise is chucked around a bit loosely sometimes but [not here].

“He’s been in the wilderness a little bit, he hasn’t been able to get in for closer to months than weeks, but he’s been brilliant.

“He’s so supportive among the group, he’s there to help his team-mates improve their performance, he never grumbles, his attitude is spot-on and he’s been patient.

“In the cup games we’ve been working him through centre-back positions to see if he can help us with cover in that aspect and on Tuesday he got his opportunity in midfield.

“He was outstanding. I’m so pleased he got his goal and was man-of-the-match so that it was recognised by everyone. He really deserves it. He’s given us more things to think about.

“I’m really pleased for him, he’s a nice guy and he really improved us.”

Murtagh lasted until the final 10 minutes before he was replaced. It was an impressive display, on and off the ball, from a player who has only been ticking over with cup football in recent weeks.

“It doesn’t matter how fit you are, unless you get to play 11 versus 11 at this level and intensity, that match fitness just vanishes,” noted Jolley.

“So, it’s credit to him that he’s looked after himself. He’s well up there as the most intelligent player in National League South, his football IQ is very high and as I said to him at the end of the game, the only way I really know that you’re tired is when your pass retention drops off.

“The last three or four interventions he had he gave