'Some may be critical': Scott Parker addresses Marcus Edwards' long wait for Burnley game time
Scott Parker is well aware of the criticism he faces for waiting and waiting to give Marcus Edwards regular game time in the Premier League this season.
It comes after the winger notched his first goal of the campaign during Saturday’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.
The 27-year-old has only started four league games all season, with the first one not coming until the end of December.
Prior to that, the former Tottenham man – who will face his former club on Saturday – had to settle for seven substitute appearances, many of them fleeting.
Given Burnley’s lack of creativity in the wide areas, it sparked plenty of fans to question why Edwards was out in the cold.
Parker accepts that Burnley fans, as well as Edwards himself, will be critical of his decision-making.
The Burnley Express has launched a new WhatsApp channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our Burnley Express WhatsApp channel.
“I’m delighted for Marcus,” he told Burnley’s YouTube channel.
"It’s been tough for him, certainly earlier on in the season where my decisions – no fault of him – probably haven’t gone for him.
"For sure, this is someone that has been incredibly professional, has waited for his time. Some may be critical, and Marcus certainly would be, and I understand that, that his time has been long overdue.
"But full credit to him, he’s given us something and you see that again today in the attacking phase of the game. He was superb really.
"I’m absolutely delighted for him and delighted he’s scored.”
Your next Burnley FC read: Transfer gossip: Burnley linked with loan swoop for 11-cap England international