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Parker paying no attention to Anfield past as Clarets head to Liverpool

Scott Parker has some “painful” memories against Liverpool – but the Burnley boss refuses to dwell on the past as he prepares for Saturday’s trip to Merseyside.

Parker’s last game at Anfield was a 9-0 drubbing, which saw his time in charge of Bournemouth come to an abrupt end.

Earlier this season, the Clarets defended resiliently against Arne Slot’s side at Turf Moor but were dealt a cruel blow when Mo Salah fired home a stoppage time winner from the penalty spot.

“I am not one that often looks back,” Parker insisted. “It was a real positive performance from us and one, of course, that hurt for such a late goal to go in.

“We can take massive positives form that performance. Playing against a world class team, we know the challenges that we face, certainly going to Anfield as well.

“We are going to need to adopt a lot of the things we saw earlier in the season against them and hopefully we can be on the right side of a result.”

On the previous trip with Bournemouth, the head coach added: “I have one positive result at Anfield (with Fulham) and I have one extremely painful one.

“It wasn't enjoyable and I think you've seen other teams go there - top teams are probably on the end of some big results - and I think that's the beast you're going up against. That's the stadium and that's the football club - full of huge talent.

“As always, don’t look back. Look forward now, take the positives and prepare this team as best we can to go there, give the best version of ourselves and hopefully get a positive result.”

Zian Flemming is not quite ready to return from injury but should be back available for the visit of Tottenham next weekend.

Lyle Foster is available after missing the win against Millwall through illness and the Clarets will make a late call on Joe Worrall’s involvement.

“Joe’s close now, he could be (back). He’s been on the grass, we will make a call on him after tomorrow's session but he's close,” Parker confirmed.

“Zian won't make the weekend, he will probably be back next game. Everyone else is fit and well coming out of the back of the big blocker games we've had so we're fully fit everywhere else.

Zian Flemming remains sidelined (Image: PA)

“(Foster) was unwell. He’s back, he has been training. Still not probably at 100 per cent in terms of his general wellbeing.

“But he's been back training with us so we'll see how that progresses probably tomorrow and make a call on that.”

Last weekend’s convincing win against Millwall in the FA Cup was a boost following a tough run of results in the Premier League.

When asked if it has lifted the group this week, Parker replied: “Of course it has had an effect.

“Coming off the back of two positive results - one against Man United, which was a positive result for us, certainly in the circumstances how the game went at that point and getting back into the game - then a really comfortable and solid performance, a really good performance against Millwall in the cup.

“We are positive, like we always have been, but of course the mood is probably a little bit better after the result.”

The head coach continued: “There's no denying over the last few weeks, with results being the way they have, it can obviously affect confidence and a certain mindset in a player. That's just only natural really.

“I would like to think that after the positive results we've had, we can come out of that cycle a little bit and see the best version of ourselves - stick back to our principles and what we stand for, and see the best version of ourselves.”

The Clarets chief was also quizzed about transfers and whether he hopes to bolster the squad before the deadline.

READ MORE: Bullish Barnes is looking for Burnley to cause an upset at Liverpool

“We're hoping to,” he said. I always say that there are so many different variables in that. Of course, there's a willingness there.

“There's a willingness from owners, there's a willingness from everyone to try and add some quality or add something to this group that can help us.

“Like I said, there are different dynamics that go into that. We’re active, or at least we're trying to do that. We will see what pans out over the next couple of weeks.

“It is always a tough window, it’s a short window and you are right in the middle of the season. It's a difficult one but we're active to try and do something.”

Burnley find themselves eight points adrift following the busy festive period and their last league victory was at Wolves at the end of October.

When asked what is key when trying to identify potential signings, Parker explained: “You are working out what you need in certain moments, or what you need in your team.

“You are trying to constantly work that out - whether that's experience at this present moment in time, calm heads, someone who's done the race a little bit and has an understanding of it.

“Whatever that may be in different dynamics, I think we have an idea where we will probably need to improve - certain positions as well. Like I said, we are trying to do that.”

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