U23 PREVIEW: Burnley v Stoke City

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More opportunities likely as young Clarets aim to keep climbing

2021-02-08T11:28:29.013Z

U23 PREVIEW: Burnley v Stoke City

More opportunities likely as young Clarets aim to keep climbing

2021-02-08T11:28:29.013Z

U23s PREVIEW: Burnley v Norwich City - Image 1

The U23s will look to continue their impressive run when they face Stoke City at Leyland this afternoon (Monday).

Steve Stone’s side has lost only one of its last eight games in Premier League 2 – a run that includes a 1-0 success at Stoke in early December.

Stone has also kept his young side busy with friendlies and followed up a 2-0 league win at Newcastle last Monday, where goalkeeper Marc Richters saved an early penalty, with a 1-0 training-ground loss at Liverpool last Friday when half-a-dozen under-18 players were involved.

“We have conceded one goal in three games and Marc has been terrific in all three behind his defence,” said Stone.

“There have been lots of lads up around the first team because of injuries and that has provided opportunities for others.

U23 PREVIEW: Burnley v Stoke City - Image 1

“We are always looking to provide those opportunities for youngsters coming through.

“That’s what we’ve always been about and we will continue to do that.”

Stone, who will be without midfielder Mace Goodridge following his loan move to Barrow, has been adding extra fixtures, with the Liverpool game following a visit from League of Wales outfit The New Saints, to give his players a more rounded preparation – but still wants results.

“To lose has still got to hurt and they have to get themselves ready and pump themselves for Stoke who are another good Category One team,” said Stone, whose side will go level with the third-placed Potters if they can hand the visitors a first defeat in three games.