South Africa boss makes Lyle Foster admission after difficult Burnley campaign
Lyle Foster will be in action at this summer’s World Cup with South Africa
South Africa boss Hugo Broos admits Burnley striker Lyle Foster is in need of a confidence boost.
The 25-year-old missed a penalty during South Africa’s 0-0 World Cup warmup with Nicaragua on Friday.
That came off the back of a quiet end to the season for the forward, who saw just 21 minutes of action under interim boss Mike Jackson during the final four games of the campaign.
Foster scored just three goals all season as Burnley suffered relegation from the Premier League.
Ahead of this summer’s World Cup, which gets underway in a matter of days, Broos admits Foster is in need of some more self-belief.
“You have to know that Lyle, in the last three or four games, didn't play much since the change of coach. He was [at times] not even on the bench,” he said.
“I think Lyle needs a bit of confidence from our side, and also a little bit better physical condition.
"A good Lyle, he is quick, he is active. That's not the reason why we changed him [taking him off at half-time], I have to tell you that. That was [decided] before... but you see, at the moment, Lyle is not big on confidence.
“We have to work on it in the next few days and also work on it in training to get him to the level that he was a few months ago.
“I think that he's struggling now a little bit, but he will be okay. We have time now to put him where we want him.
“Fans today, they are not happy and tomorrow, they kiss you. It is important that fans support you, but that cannot be a reason [to be too upset].
“Fans are fans and they react with the heart. You know what they are, they are emotional - so it's not so important [what they think of Foster currently].”