'GOING THERE WITH CONFIDENCE AND DETERMINATION' SAYS PARKER AHEAD OF BLADES TRIP

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Clarets boss looks ahead to Boxing Day trip to Bramall Lane

2024-12-23T17:11:20.731Z

'GOING THERE WITH CONFIDENCE AND DETERMINATION' SAYS PARKER AHEAD OF BLADES TRIP

Clarets boss looks ahead to Boxing Day trip to Bramall Lane

2024-12-23T17:11:20.731Z

Clarets boss looks ahead to Boxing Day trip to Bramall Lane

Head Coach Scott Parker insists his team are in a 'very good place' ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Sheffield United and says his side head to Yorkshire with confidence and determination.

The Clarets travel to league leaders Sheffield United on Thursday afternoon and whilst he says he's aware of the test the team come up against, they are looking forward to the clash at Bramall Lane.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Parker said: "First of all, I'm really pleased with where we are. It's halfway through the season and we're heading in the right direction.

"It's flown by to be honest, but we're in a really good place and I'm extremely pleased with where we are right now. The team have given me absolutely everything we have asked for and that's the reason we're in the position we are right now."

On the Boxing Day meeting with the Blades itself, Parker added: "We're now prepping the team for what is a huge fixture for both teams on Boxing Day, but we're going there with a lot of confidence and determination.

"Chris (Wilder) and his team will be in a similar place, they will be looking forward to it I'm sure, but whatever the result is, I'm delighted with where we currently are and the progress we are making."

MATCH PREVIEW: BURNLEY V STOKE CITY - Image 5

The Burnley boss has given himself a selection headache and a 'tough choice' ahead of the trip to Sheffield, with the likes of Josh Brownhill, Josh Cullen, Hannibal and Josh Laurent all competing for a space in the midfield.

Parker gave his thoughts on the midfield quartet: “It’s been a certain predicament for me, because it’s four very good players who are searching to play in their best positions, but there’s only three positions to go for, so it is a tough choice.

“I thought Hannibal did exceptionally well at the weekend. We decided to play him in a different position and he brought real energy and discipline to his performance.

“I was really pleased with the dynamic of how that looked at the weekend. It really gave us a platform in there with some technical players to give us the control we needed.”

The Clarets are likely to have everyone available at Bramall Lane that were in the squad last weekend against Watford and Parker also provided an update on striker Lyle Foster.

"We had recovery today, it was quite a light session, just checking over everyone, but I don't think anyone will be coming out the squad that were available last weekend.

"Jeremy (Sarmiento) is moving in the right direction and Connor (Roberts) will be fine, it was just a knock for him, but he's ok.

"Lyle (Foster) is not too far off now, he's been on the grass for a while. We're looking at a few weeks, it's just about making sure it's right and making sure we don't set him back."