Danny Murphy apologises for ‘poor choice of wording’ after appearing to suggest some Liverpool players are ‘not fit to lace Kevin De Bruyne’s boots’

Danny Murphy has apologised for his ‘poor choice of wording’ after he questioned why Manchester City players should have to give Liverpool a guard of honour when they meet on Thursday night.

Speaking on talkSPORT's Jim White show on Monday, Murphy described the guard of honour tradition as ‘nonsense’ ahead of this week's clash between the rivals, which will see the Reds walk out as Premier League champions for the first time.

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Pep Guardiola has confirmed his team will lead Liverpool players out and clap them onto the pitch at the Etihad Stadium, insisting they ‘deserve’ it after winning the title in record time with seven games still to play.

But Murphy revealed he is not a fan of the idea and suggested it was not right that Kevin De Bruyne, who he rates as the best midfielder in the world, had to clap hands for players who 'can't even lace his boots.'

That comment on De Bruyne led to a major backlash from Liverpool supporters on social media.

And Murphy took to Instagram on Wednesday to apologise for his remarks, saying they were ‘misplaced’ and did not reflect his true ‘admiration and respect’ for the entire Liverpool squad after finally ending the club's 30-year wait for a title.

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Murphy, who made 249 appearances for the Merseyside club, wrote:

“Yesterday on talkSPORT discussing the concept of the guard of honour I used a poor choice of wording which I apologise for in relation to the Liverpool midfield.

“Just to clarify I have nothing but admiration and respect for all the LFC players and their incredible achievements over the last two years.

“I would hate for a misplaced throwaway phrase which wasn’t thought through to imply anything otherwise.

“I of course don’t always get it right when doing live TV and radio but will always hold my hands up and apologise when I don’t.”

Anfield legend and his former Liverpool teammate Jamie Carragher was among the comments, sending the reply: “Well said Murph.”