Oliver Sonne Burnley debut evaluated as Scott Parker discusses his best role in the team

After being ineligible to face Stoke City on New Year’s Day and suspended for the derby at Ewood, the 24-year-old was finally able to make his first appearance for the Clarets during the FA Cup win at Reading on Saturday.

The Peruvian international was one of Burnley’s standout players during normal time before being brought off in the 87th minute, as Parker’s men required extra-time to edge out their League One opponents.

“He was very good. I was very pleased with everyone but Oliver as well,” Parker said.

“I thought he showed some real composed moments, he gave us an attacking threat and was real solid in a good team performance.”

While known to be an attack-minded full-back, Sonne also showed he’s more than capable of keeping things tight at the back too.

“I think he can give both,” Parker added.

“I think he can play from more of a deeper position joining, but there's no denying his biggest trait and his biggest attribute is going forward and how he adds speed and intent to his game – so I think he is multifunctional. I think you can play him up higher.

“I know he plays national teams sometimes in midfield, whereas he played [against Reading] as a traditional right-back and joining the attack was how I see him as well.

“I was very pleased with Oliver, certainly with it being his first game as well.”

Burnley had to be patient in their pursuit of Sonne, who first came of interest to them during the summer.

“As always you monitor players and Oliver was one that we'd been monitoring for some time,” Parker admitted.

“We tried to obviously do something in the last window, which didn't end up happening and it wasn't possible.

“But yes, we’re pleased to have him here now, pleased to see him working with us and hope that that may continue, which I'm sure it will. There’s a lot of development to do and we'll keep working with him.”