Burnley boss Scott Parker explains why Marcus Edwards was dropped against Brighton
After a run of impressive performances, Burnley fans were left puzzled at Marcus Edwards being left out of the starting XI for the game against Brighton.
The winger has had to remain patient in his bid for playing time this season, only making his first league start against Everton at the end of December.
But since then, and prior to that with his appearances off the bench, the 27-year-old has caught the eye, bringing some much-needed creativity in the final third.
In the midst of what is now an 11-game winless streak, supporters queried how an in-form player could afford to be dropped in what was such an important game at Brighton.
But Edwards began the encounter on the bench, being brought on in the 55th minute when the Clarets trailed 2-0 – which is how the game finished.
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When asked to explain why Edwards didn’t start, Parker said: "Just the sheer volume of games Marcus has come out of.
"The game against Newcastle he was very tight, very stiff, he felt a hamstring which was very tight.
“After him doing so well, the last thing we can do is afford to chuck him into another game, three games in the space of one week and something go on in his hamstring which puts him out for two or three months.
"So of course hindsight is an amazing thing and if he starts and he gets through the game, brilliant.
"On the flip side, you're constantly making judgements on the medical team and the numbers and what you're seeing and obviously the player as well and having an understanding of that really – and the best thing today was to leave him on the bench.”
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