'IT'S A COMPETITION I LOVE' ADMITS PARKER AHEAD OF FA CUP TRIP TO READING

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Clarets boss previews Saturday's visit to Berkshire

2025-01-09T17:08:44.247Z

'IT'S A COMPETITION I LOVE' ADMITS PARKER AHEAD OF FA CUP TRIP TO READING

Clarets boss previews Saturday's visit to Berkshire

2025-01-09T17:08:44.247Z

'OPPORTUNITY TO FRESHEN THINGS UP' SAYS PARKER AHEAD OF SAINTS CLASH - Image 1

Head Coach Scott Parker has been involved in many FA Cup fixtures during his illustrious playing career and the Burnley boss is relishing being part of the competition he 'loves' once again, as the Clarets kick off their Emirates FA Cup campaign this weekend.

Burnley head to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday afternoon to take on the Royals in the third round of the competition, of which Parker has fond memories of.

Speaking on Thursday ahead of the visit to Reading, Parker said: "I remember being a kid and the FA Cup finals, watching the team buses drive from the hotels to Wembley and all the fans on Wembley way.

"It was the whole day, the occasion and it really is a special and iconic competition. I have a few memories of playing in certain games, the semi-final with Spurs against Chelsea, although we lost it was still an amazing occasion to be involved in.

"There's massive memories of it all when you look back at some of the games I've watched growing up and then played in. It's a competition I love really."

MATCH PREVIEW: SWANSEA CITY V BURNLEY - Image 6

Saturday could see the Clarets rotate the squad after the gruelling Christmas fixture period and Parker admits there could be 'opportunities' for a handful of his players to get some valuable gametime against the Royals, who he expects a challenging test from.

"It's an opportunity to get some gametime into some players, a chance for some of the lads to get up to speed, step-up match fitness and get some minutes in the legs.

"It's a good game for us, they will be a challenging side and we know they will be well up for it. We will need to be at our best, but we're looking forward to it and it fits perfect in our schedule after the busy Christmas period."

When asked for an update on the fitness of his team, Parker explained: "Nathan Redmond has been on the grass and trained with us this week, so has Benny (Benson).

"A little bit of modified training to the rest of the group, but they have been out there on the pitch and around the team, which is a positive."

January signing Oliver Sonne is available for selection this weekend and Parker said the defender has shown 'real quality' since arriving.

"He's available, yes. He has trained for the last week and shown some real quality in training. We're looking forward to developing him and working with him."