HARWOOD-BELLIS READY FOR RETURN

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Defender eager to get back playing in Claret & Blue

2023-03-22T17:00:00.000Z

HARWOOD-BELLIS READY FOR RETURN

Defender eager to get back playing in Claret & Blue

2023-03-22T17:00:00.000Z

Defender eager to get back playing in Claret & Blue

Taylor Harwood-Bellis believes he is 'ready to return' for the Clarets following a lengthy spell on the side-lines after picking up an injury at Bournemouth back in January.

The 21-year-old has been working hard to get back on the pitch and has recently played a successful 45 minutes and 75 minutes in the last two U21 matches to regain his fitness levels.

After completing another successful outing at Bramall Lane on Tuesday, Harwood-Bellis admits he is 'feeling good' and is ready to get through a whole game and return to the first team squad.

Speaking in Sheffield, the defender said: “I feel ready. I feel like I’m ready to play 90 minutes now, I’ve played the 45 and now the 75 and I have come through fine.

“I feel really good, my ankle and foot feels fine and I feel really good fitness wise, I just want to get back playing now.

“It’s not been tough seeing the team do well despite watching it from the side-lines, I’m not one of them that would sulk not being a part of it. It’s actually been a joy watching them, I’ve really enjoyed watching the games and still being a part of it from the side.

“At the start I thought right let’s just tackle it head on then there was a bit in the middle which was a bit of a blip, but now I’m back in a positive space and really looking forward to getting going again for the team."

HARWOOD-BELLIS READY FOR RETURN - Image 1

Despite Harwood-Bellis not playing since January 9th, the centre-back explained he has still been around the squad and kept involved in meetings and gym sessions with the team despite the injury.

But the Stockport-born youngster confessed that one of the main negatives from the spell out has been not playing in front of the fans, who he feels he has built a special connection with over the course of the season.

The on-loan defender said: "I've still been involved in the meetings, eating with the lads every day, doing bits in the gym and been around it still. The only negative is obviously not playing in front of the fans.

“That’s why after games I try get on the pitch and celebrate a bit with the fans so it feels like I’m still involved even though I’m not playing.

“I absolutely love going over to the cricket stand after the game and giving it some with the fans, it’s class.

“Even away from home, clapping and celebrating with them after good results on the road I’ve missed that side of it.

“For me personally I feel like I have a great connection with the fans here, I hope they feel the same because I absolutely love them.

All the team news ahead of Friday night's trip to Middlesbrough

The Clarets have nine games to go and currently sit top of the Sky Bet Championship, 13 points clear of second placed Sheffield United and 16 ahead of third placed Middlesbrough.

Harwood-Bellis knows there is still lots of work to be done and games to be played but discussed what it would mean for him personally to finish the season successfully and for the manager, the team and fans.

“It would mean so much, it would be massive. Coming into Burnley, I have said in every interview I have no surprises at all that we are top.

“I know how much the manager works hard, dedicates to us and gives us everything tactic and information wise, so he deserves a successful ending first and foremost.

“Then the team have given everything back to him, understood everything and believed in what we do and taken all the information on board.

“Then you have the fans, they have played a massive part for us this season. It wasn’t easy to start with, a few worrying moments playing out from the back and drawing games but they backed us all the way and credit to them they stuck with us and hopefully we repay them."