EGAN-RILEY DETERMINED TO COME BACK STRONGER

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Young defender focussed on full fitness following return from Hibs

2023-06-02T10:25:52.800Z

EGAN-RILEY DETERMINED TO COME BACK STRONGER

Young defender focussed on full fitness following return from Hibs

2023-06-02T10:25:52.800Z

Young defender focussed on full fitness following return from Hibs

CJ Egan-Riley insists all his focus and concentration is now on recovering from surgery and returning to full fitness after picking up an injury in his final match for Hibernian.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Easter Road from the Clarets but will now require surgery on his hamstring next week after picking up the injury in a 4-2 victory over Celtic.

Speaking to burnleyfootballclub.com following his loan spell in Scotland, the defender said: “I got the injury in the Celtic match. We actually won the game which was a bit crazy was we were the underdogs in that game.

“It was a little bit sore in training a few days before but I knew I was never going to miss that game with a little niggle.

“Then around the hour mark I hit a diagonal pass and I felt it and knew as soon as it left my foot, I knew it was gone.”

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Egan-Riley added: “With surgery I won’t be able to do anything for a couple of weeks rehab wise, but then I will come back in and begin the rehab process with the medical and sports science staff here at Burnley.

“I will most likely do the whole of pre-season here and get through the comeback and then see where I am at.

“I just want to fully focus and concentrate on getting back fit now and then go from there and see what the plan is for me going forward.”

Despite the setback dampening a fine loan spell for the versatile youngster, Egan-Riley admitted he ‘loved’ his time in Edinburgh and gained some valuable experience.

The former Manchester City defender played 14 matches for Lee Johnson’s side, including a trip to Celtic Park and hosting 55-time top-flight winners Rangers at Easter Road twice.

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“I enjoyed it a lot. It was a great experience for me, Edinburgh was a lovely city and as a club they welcomed me in from day one.

“I loved it there. They put a lot of faith and trust in to me and everyone was great at the club with me.

“The first half of the season was tough, although it was enjoyable training and learning a lot, the second half of the season I was definitely in a better place mentally.

“As a footballer you obviously want to be playing every game week in week out and since January when I went up there, I played every game.

“I played in some Edinburgh derbies, played against Celtic and Rangers which are massive games. The Edinburgh derby was crazy! Definitely the best atmosphere I have ever played in.

“The Celtic away game was also crazy; Celtic Park is a mad stadium. It was just great to experience these type of games and atmospheres.” Said the Manchester-born youngster.

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Although Egan-Riley spent the second half of the campaign away from Turf Moor, the youngster says he kept in close contact with the manager, coaching staff and some of the team during his time away and kept a close eye on the Clarets’ results.

The centre-back explained: “The gaffer (Vincent Kompany) called me three or four times whilst I was up there too which was good to ask how I was doing. He also called me the other day when he heard about the injury to just say it will be hard but get through it and work hard.

“I spoke to Jacko (Mike Jackson) a couple of times too and also Charlie Adam (Loans Manager) which was good to keep in touch.

“I have spoken to a few of the lads when I have been away like Browny (Brownhill), Ian (Maatsen) and Nathan (Tella) and they are all just buzzing.”

He added: “I watched games when I could. I was still very much happy and pleased for everyone here. It was an outstanding season for the lads.

“To get promoted back to the Premier League was the aim for everyone here, so to get it done the first season is amazing.”