BENSON DETERMINED TO PLAY HIS PART

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Belgian winger eyes up comeback ahead of final few games

2023-03-23T12:30:00.000Z

BENSON DETERMINED TO PLAY HIS PART

Belgian winger eyes up comeback ahead of final few games

2023-03-23T12:30:00.000Z

Belgian winger eyes up comeback ahead of final few games

Manuel Benson is aiming to play an integral role as the Clarets prepare for their final nine games of the Sky Bet Championship campaign.

Benson has been side-lined since January with an injury picked up in the West Brom win, but the 25-year-old recently featured off the bench at Hull for 20 minutes and an hour for the U21s side on Tuesday against Sheffield United.

The Belgian forward admits it was vital to gain match fitness and minutes before heading into the international break and to come through the appearances pain free.

Benson said: “It was really important for me to get some minutes in before the international break and to come through pain free to be a 100% after the break.

“I was actually on a good run before my injury, so I am just trying to get that feeling back straight on and that only comes if you are ready for it.

“So, it’s been good for me to get minutes in my legs, start feeling good in myself and doing actions again on the pitch, but the most important thing for me was to be pain free going into the break."

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Benson added: “I just need as many minutes in me to be the fittest I can be and I’m definitely going to be working hard during this break to be the fittest as possible.

“So, when we return and are back playing, I can be ready 100% for when the manager selects me for the squad.”

Since Benson picked up the knock against the Baggies the wideman missed 11 matches in all competitions, but is now hoping to be available for the remaining nine games of the season and play his part.

“It’s been a long two months to be honest. At the start I didn’t think the injury was going to keep me out as long as it has and then you start to see how many games I started missing.

“Also, when times were a bit difficult for us in games I felt like I just wanted to be there and try help the team score or win the game.

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“But as a player you just have to deal with it and just focus yourself on the comeback and I’m feeling good again.

“Now I feel well, I just need to keep on driving and working hard and see what the next few weeks bring for me and hopefully I can play a part."

The Clarets return to Turf Moor on Friday 31st March for the first time in just under three weeks as Vincent Kompany's men host Sunderland in the Championship.

Benson is looking forward to being back at home and admits he has 'missed the feeling' of playing in front of a packed Turf Moor.

The winger smiled: “I can’t wait to be back at Turf Moor again soon. It was nice to get some minutes at Hull last week in front of the fans.

“I have missed the feeling of playing at home in front of the fans and especially now I feel like we are nearing our aim.

“It will be nice to be back playing and enjoying nice moments with them hopefully soon.”