Burnley win was crucial - David Edgar

DAVID Edgar returned home to Canada to focus on World Cup qualification, boosted by Burnley’s first clean sheet in 24 games.

Edgar was a standout performer at The Den as the Clarets collected back to back league wins for the first time this season.

And the 24-year-old departed for international duty in good spirits: “We got the clean sheet, but the main thing was we got the three points.

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“It was definitely winning ugly, but we also put in a spirited performance and we got the clean sheet, so it was very satisfying for us.

“I think they went two up front in the second half, because we were quite comfortable in the first half dealing with their three attacking players.

“But we adjusted well and we dug in.

“They made it difficult for us and obviously it’s a tough place to come to, but we’re delighted to go away with the three points.”

Edgar was at the centre of the game’s main controversy as substitute John Marquis was booked for simulation in the area after a challenge from the centre back.

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And the former Newcastle man felt the referee got it absolutely spot on: “It was definitely not a penalty.

“The guy said to me afterwards he was trying to get booked because he was going in for an operation, so you’ve got to try it.

“I never touched him to be honest and the referee got it right, which was lucky in a way.”

Burnley deserved the luck on a day where they defended with head and heart, particularly in the second half, as they defended the lead given them by Jay Rodriguez’s 37th-minute goal.

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You have to go back to the 1-0 win at Hull in March for the side’s last clean sheet, and Edgar said: “The whole team put our bodies on the line to make sure we got the clean sheet.

“There’s been a lot said about it.

“We want clean sheets, that’s the main thing for us as defenders.

“But it’s good way to cap off a good week.”

A huddle in front of the away fans at the final whistle was a great show of togetherness, and Edgar added: “It was spontaneous, it wasn’t planned, we do have a massive team spirit and I think it’s starting to show with performances like this, winning ugly at difficult places.

“We’re got a great group of boys and we’re all buying into the way the manager wants to play, it’s really enjoyable.”

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Edgar, having won a place in the Burnley side, made his first start for Canada in the last international break, and he is thrilled with how things are going on both fronts: “I’ve really enjoyed the last month in the team and long may it continue.

“I’m away for international duty now and hopefully I stay in that team as well because I played in the last game.

“But I’m just happy to get the three points and looking forward to the international break and seeing the family.”

Canada are in action in the CONCACAF World Cup Preliminary First Group Round, in Group D, as they travel to take on St Lucia on Friday, before hosting Puerto Rico on Tuesday.