PARKER RELISHING TURF RETURN

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Clarets boss previews Saturday's clash with Portsmouth

2024-09-20T15:24:27.385Z

PARKER RELISHING TURF RETURN

Clarets boss previews Saturday's clash with Portsmouth

2024-09-20T15:24:27.385Z

Clarets boss previews Saturday's clash with Portsmouth

Head Coach Scott Parker is eager to return to Turf Moor and looking forward to the test this weekend, as the Clarets host Portsmouth in the Sky Bet Championship in what will be the first home game in three weeks.

The Clarets last played at home on 31st August in the East Lancashire derby and Parker & his side are relishing being back in front of a packed out home crowd.

Speaking to the media on Friday afternoon, the Burnley boss discussed being back on home turf and the challenge they expect from last season's League One winners.

"We're looking forward to getting back to Turf first of all. It's felt like a while now and after last weekend's win at a really tough place to go, we're excited to be back home on Saturday.

"We know it's going to be another challenge for us, it will be a tough game and I will probably say that every week, because that's what this division is like and tomorrow will be no different."

Portsmouth currently sit 23rd in the Championship table and are still searching for a first win, but Parker is under no illusion of the test that the visitors will bring.

"They have had an incredibly tough start in terms of fixtures, they have played some really good teams. They scored three goals and got a draw at Elland Road, got a good result against Luton and that's what we will see tomorrow.

"It's a difficult fixture, they're a good side that will try to play and we need to be fully aware of the threats and problems they can give us if we allow it."

When asked how satisfied he is with the start to the 2024/25 campaign, Parker explained: "We still need time to pick up on things, work on things and we have some good training weeks coming up to do that and we're excited.

"But you can certainly see the momentum building and now with the window being shut, that line being drawn underneath lets us know where we are and what we have got.

"There's been some positive performances & results and there's a lot of work to do, but we're pleased overall with the start to the season."

The Head Coach also gave an update on how the squad is looking for the weekend: "(Roberts & Foster) They're close, they have both been on the training ground this week and we will make late calls on them nearer to tomorrow.

"Ramsey trained for the first time on the grass last week, which was massive for him and we're really pleased for him. Jordan (Beyer) has just come out of surgery recently, so there's a longer road ahead for him, but it feels like we have got to the bottom of that issue now.

"John (Egan) and Enock (Agyei) both played for the U21s this week and it was good for them both just to get minutes under their belt in an 11v11 match."