Andy Murray saw his ruthless thrashing of David Goffin in the Paris Masters on Thursday as an early psychological blow ahead of the Davis Cup final later this month.

Murray is set to come up against Goffin when Great Britain face Belgium in the Davis Cup showdown on clay in Ghent, which starts on November 27.

The world number three laid down a marker ahead of that eagerly-awaited tie by coasting to a 6-1 6-0 victory to reach the quarter-finals in the French capital.

The Scotsman said: "Obviously clay is seen as being my worst surface, but I still feel I play well on that court.

"I don't know what speed the court is going to be, if it's quick I think that will help my serve a lot and if it’s slow I feel I can track a lot of balls down on the clay, which is positive. I can make it physical and tough that way.

"It was good for me to get the chance to play him before the Davis Cup and see his game, the speed of his shots, things he makes mistakes from and the things he likes to do. With the result it is a positive win mentally for me."

There was one alarming moment for Murray in the third round match, who looked stunned when he was struck by a stray ball thrown by a ball girl in between games.

He said of the incident: "It's never happened to me before. I gave her a high five when I went back to give her my towel and hopefully she's not too bothered about it because mistakes happen to everyone."