Fulham scouts ran the rule over Motherwell striker Jamie Murphy this afternoon as the Scottish football season got underway.

Representatives from the Premier League club watched Murphy scored Motherwell’s second in their 3-0 opening win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Fir Park. The Scottish under-21 international calmly collected a long ball and drove home with aplomb. His pace and power troubled Thistle’s defenders all afternoon, giving the watching scouts an indication of his potential. Fulham would have to fight off a number of suitors to secure Murphy’s signature, with seven other Premier League clubs represented in the crowd this afternoon, according to reports.

Stuart McCall wants to hold onto his young striker for the remainder of the season, insisting a stay north of the border would be best for Murphy’s development.

Jamie’s still developing with us, he’s a terrific talent. There’s no doubt about it, if he stays here for another season he’ll be worth a lot of money because he can only improve and benefit from playing

I’m disappointed for some people that leave the SPL and go down to England and sit on the bench or play in the reserves for two seasons. They’re not developing there.

He was excellent (against Inverness), he took a really good goal. From my point of view as manager I want to keep him but even for Jamie’s development, to keep him for another season would benefit him. He likes his football here, he enjoys it.

The 21 year-old, a product of Motherwell’s youth set-up, is also believed to be interesting Birmingham, Wolves, Tottenham, Stoke, West Brom and Birmingham. He has scored five times in thirteen appearances for the Scottish under-21 side and managed 11 goals in 45 games for Motherwell last season.