Burnley debutant Josh Benson hungry for more after making Premier League bow against Manchester City

Burnley midfielder Josh Benson is hungry for more after his dream of playing in the Premier League came true.
Josh Benson of Burnley battles for possession with Troy Parrott of Millwall during the Carabao Cup third round match between Millwall and Burnley at The Den on September 23, 2020 in London, England.Josh Benson of Burnley battles for possession with Troy Parrott of Millwall during the Carabao Cup third round match between Millwall and Burnley at The Den on September 23, 2020 in London, England.
Josh Benson of Burnley battles for possession with Troy Parrott of Millwall during the Carabao Cup third round match between Millwall and Burnley at The Den on September 23, 2020 in London, England.

The 20-year-old was up against Manchester City captain Kevin de Bruyne on his first top-flight appearance as the Clarets slumped to a fourth successive 5-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

But the former Arsenal academy ace, who was given the nod to replace the injured Josh Brownhill, stepped up to the plate and impressed in the middle of the park.

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“You’ve just got to keep working hard and be ready,” said Benson, who made three appearances in the League Cup earlier this season – including one from the bench against City - before returning to duty in the U23s.

Burnley's English midfielder Josh Benson (L) vies with Millwall's English striker Matt Smith during the English League Cup third round football match between Millwall and Burnley at The Den in south London, on September 23, 2020.Burnley's English midfielder Josh Benson (L) vies with Millwall's English striker Matt Smith during the English League Cup third round football match between Millwall and Burnley at The Den in south London, on September 23, 2020.
Burnley's English midfielder Josh Benson (L) vies with Millwall's English striker Matt Smith during the English League Cup third round football match between Millwall and Burnley at The Den in south London, on September 23, 2020.

“It’s a dream come true and everything I’ve worked for my whole life, me and my family.

“It’s a brilliant achievement for myself. I’m just gutted about the result. They are a top side and it’s a good learning experience for me."

Benson – who enjoyed an excellent loan spell with Grimsby Town last season before Covid curtailed the League Two campaign – was only inches away from capping a fine display with his first goal for the club.

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Ederson could only watch as his second half set-piece was deflected just wide of the upright by Portuguese defender Ruben Dias.

The youngster was singled out for praise by Sean Dyche in the post match press conference and now he's determined to keep impressing the Burnley boss.

“If I want to stay in the team, I’ve got to give it my all and be confident out there," said Benson, who netted twice in 11 appearances for the Mariners last term.

“I can’t shy away from the ball. I want to be on the ball as much as possible but there are still areas I can work on.

“I’m feeling more confident every training session and the boys have welcomed me in.

“I’ve got to keep working and trying to impress the gaffer and do the best I can.”