Burnley coach reveals how he fuelled Foster’s goal-scoring resurgence
Burnely FC coach Scott Parker has revealed what he “constantly” told Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster during the latter’s goal drought.
The former AS Monaco forward has had a difficult season in the EFL Championship, struggling to help his side, which is striving for promotion back to the Premier League.
However, Foster found his scoring boots on Saturday, scoring his third goal of the season in all competitions during Burnley’s 4-0 victory over Luton Town in the league.
His league record stands at two goals and two assists in 22 appearances, alongside a goal in two Emirates FA Cup matches. Before scoring this weekend, his last goal for Burnley came in a 3-1 win against Reading in November. However, Parker has frequently deployed Foster out of his preferred striker role, utilizing him as a winger, a move that has resulted in a number of assists.
Parker, speaking after their match against Luton, said he was “delighted” for Foster, particularly for ending the scoreless streak.
He revealed that he consistently encouraged the former Orlando Pirates man to persevere, despite the missed opportunities he had experienced in recent months.
BURNLEY COACH – ‘LYLE FOSTER ALWAYS DELIVER’
“I was very delighted for Lyle,” Parker told Burnley TV. “It’s been clear that maybe over the course of the last few games, Lyle missed some big chances. I was delighted he got that goal. I constantly said to him, ‘Don’t worry about missing chances, man’.
“He can get in positions, he creates a lot of [chances]. He has the quality and physicality, he never gives up. He’s a boy with an absolutely humongous heart, passion, and desire, and I think you saw that today [Saturday].
“Eyes don’t lie when you step in a football stadium. First and foremost, you step over a line, and I think one thing the fanbase wants and people want is an energy, a desire, a passion. Lyle seems to always deliver that, so I was pleased that he managed to get his goal.
“It’s a well-worked goal, great finish, so I’m really pleased for him.”
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