The 23-year-old centre-back had a “stunted” youth development with two serious knee injuries costing him important game time.

The academy graduate made his sixth consecutive start in the 2-2 William Hill Premiership draw against Dundee United at Parkhead on Wednesday night.

Ahead of the trip to Falkirk on Sunday, where Martin O’Neill’s side can go seven points ahead of Rangers at the top of the table, Murray was quizzed about his development and said: “It (injuries) stunted it a bit.

“I think I was 18 the first time And then came back, did my rehab, and then 19, done it again. So I missed two years.

“I think they’re probably really important, vital years for a footballer.

“Whether it’s playing here or you go out on your own and learn your trade, really and just play as many games as you can.

“So, from that perspective, it was like just trying to play catch-up, almost. I probably am two years behind.

“But I think I just try and really focus on where I am just now. And just try and play as many games as possible.

“You can’t really dwell on the past, you can get caught up in a lot of it. I think it’s really just trying to now just focus on the present.”

Murray believes he has learned about “every part of his game” during the longest run of games in his Celtic career and is grateful to the Parkhead club for keeping faith in him.

He said: “Before, I hadn’t really played much. And if I was, it was a game here or a game there.

“But now, trying to string a number of appearances together. It’s just everything, just trying to learn as much as I can. Just learning on the job, really.

“There’s been a lot of faith put in me from the club. I’m really, really grateful in that perspective, for the club showing me faith.”

Murray admits the chance to go seven points clear of Rangers on Sunday is a huge incentive for the Hoops.

He said: “Yeah, definitely. I think you always want to just keep winning, and then if you can gain an advantage over the rest of the league points-wise, it’s a good thing.

“There’s been tough moments in parts of games and everything else, but overall I think we’re doing well.”

Murray and his fellow Celtic defenders will have to deal with on-form Falkirk forward Jacob Murrell on Sunday.

The 22-year-old American has notched five goals – including four in his last four games – to help the Bairns win their last three matches.

“I’m really confident right now,” said Murrell. “If I get chances, I feel confident I’m going to score and I think that has a lot to do with the team-mates around me.

“After the Rangers game (on September 2), I missed a couple of chances but the gaffer and my team-mates got behind me and just kept building my confidence and really pushed me on to kick forward.”