Thompson Hungry For More

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Young pros keen to make their mark after signing up at Turf Moor

2021-07-07T15:41:34.585Z

Thompson Hungry For More

Young pros keen to make their mark after signing up at Turf Moor

2021-07-07T15:41:34.585Z

Young pros keen to make their mark after signing up at Turf Moor

Max Thompson is looking to kick on in his Clarets’ career after signing a first professional deal at Turf Moor.

Thompson has had a sample of the first-team environment at Burnley since joining the club as a scholar.

The striker made a Premier League debut as a late substitute at Manchester City in June, 2020 and was included on the bench on a couple of further occasions last season.

And after top-scoring for the U23s in 2020/21 as the Clarets just missed out on a place in the PL2 play-offs, the ex-Manchester United youngster – who joined Burnley 18 months ago after a spell at Everton – hopes there is more to come.

“I can’t wait to get started again and I really want to push on,” said Thompson after clocking in for the start of pre-season training.

“Last season was really good. My favourite thing is to score goals, so it’s always nice to impact it in that way, but it’s about the team and we were so close to the play-offs.

“Hopefully as the Under-23s we can get there this year and as a person I can push on towards the first team.

“I want to prove to the staff and the manager that I’m ready to step up. I’ve had a little taste and that makes you so much more hungry and work harder and try and cement a place.

“This is the most comfortable I’ve felt at a place for long time and I’m hoping to stay here as long as possible and do as well as I can for the club.”

Thompson is one of a handful of former United youngsters who have found a home at Turf Moor and been given a chance to make it into the senior ranks.

Of the seven teenagers who have signed their first professional deals at Burnley, five spent time at United before joining Burnley’s Academy where they have earned the right to stay on as professionals.

They include striker Sam Unwin, who also had a spell at Bury before linking up with the Clarets in September, 2019 and scoring heavily for the Under-18s before moving up to the 23s.

“I’m absolutely buzzing and I can’t wait to get started now,” said Unwin, 18.

“It’s a special day to sign my first professional contract and a day I’ll always remember.

“It’s unbelievable really. I wouldn’t have thought two years ago, after leaving Bury, that I would get a professional deal at a Premier League club.

“I’ve worked really hard to get here, but the hard work doesn’t stop now.

“I just want to start pre-season strong and get off to a good start.”

Unwin is likely to be in the U23s’ squad that heads to Scotland next week for a training camp at Stirling University, along with another ex-United colleague in defender Calen Gallagher-Allison.

The 18-year-old joined Burnley last season and is delighted to have secured a first professional deal.

“This is definitely the biggest moment of my career,” said Gallagher-Allison.

“It’s a moment growing up as a kid that you dream of and always work towards, so I’m so happy.

“I had a bit of a taste last season with the U23s, playing and training with them, so I know what’s required.

“But it’s time now to step up and show what I can do after signing my professional contract.”