JOSH Lillis says Iron fans should not read too much into the fact Joe Murphy did not feature in the final game of the season.

Out of contract in the next month, the Irishman's future is the subject of mass speculation – with many expecting him to move on this summer after five years at Glanford Park.

That talk was fuelled further by the fact Lillis was between the posts last weekend as United brought the curtain down on a disappointing campaign with a 1-1 draw against Portsmouth.

But, according to the 23-year-old, Murphy's absence was more down to coincidence than significance.

"People shouldn't read anything into that, not at all," said Lillis.

"Joe has been struggling a bit with his groin and he's got a sore shoulder, so there wasn't a lot of point in him playing.

"I knew at the beginning of the week I'd be playing and the manager wanted to try a few other new faces as well."

Iron manager Alan Knill has made no secret of the fact that he expects Murphy, and defender David Mirfin, to leave United this summer to join Championship clubs.

But at the weekend, the former West Brom and Sunderland stopper said that talk was premature.

"People are saying I am moving on but there has been nothing concrete said to me or an offer put in front of me," said Murphy.