Danny Murphy lavishes praise on Tom Nichols following FA Cup goal

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has tipped Exeter City attacker Tom Nichols to 'play at a higher level very soon' after his man-of-the-match performance in Friday night's FA Cup tie at St James Park.

Nichols opened the scoring against Liverpool as the League Two outfit threatened to advance into round four, but the visitors twice came from behind to force a 2-2 draw and set-up a replay at Anfield.

Nichols's performance drew the attention of many throughout the third-round match, and Murphy has paid tribute to the 22-year-old.

"Exeter's Tom Nichols has been superb from minute one. He's shown quality and endeavour and will be playing a higher level very soon," he told BBC Sport.

Nichols, who came through the youth system at Exeter, has scored 10 League Two goals this season.