Scott Parker has confirmed James Ward-Prowse will make his first Burnley start during tomorrow’s FA Cup tie against Mansfield Town.
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Scott Parker lays down simple Burnley survival challenge after ending long wait ...](https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/scott-parker-lays-down-simple-burnley-survival-challenge-after-ending-long-wait-for-win-5593579 "Scott Parker lays down simple Burnley survival challenge after ending long wait for win")
The midfielder made his Clarets bow off the bench in midweek as he helped Parker’s men get over the line during their dramatic 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
But the 31-year-old will now get his chance from the start as the Clarets bid to reach the last 16 of the FA Cup.
“James will play tomorrow, he'll get a start tomorrow,” Parker confirmed.
“I was really pleased that he came on the other night as well. I thought even the time he came into the game and the dynamics of what the game was, I think you see his experience a little bit.
“Tomorrow is another opportunity for him to get more minutes. He's not played a lot of football, albeit played a little bit here with the Under-21s, so it's a good opportunity for him and for us to see his quality and what he can bring to us.”
Elsewhere, Parker also revealed Quilindschy Hartman is available to play if selected, despite barely being seen in recent weeks.
Parker will make changes to his Burnley side for tomorrow's cup tie (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)placeholder image
Parker will make changes to his Burnley side for tomorrow's cup tie (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The left-back has been omitted from Burnley’s squad altogether, while his last appearance came in the last round of the competition against Millwall at the start of January.
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“Yes, he's available,” Parker added. “So maybe there’s an option for Q to get some minutes.
“Obviously it's been a bit slow for him over the last four or five weeks for different reasons, so it could be a good opportunity maybe for him just to get some football in his legs again and get him up to speed.”
Burnley were still able to name a strong side in the last round despite making eight changes for their 5-1 thrashing of Millwall.
Parker expects to take a similar approach again, as Burnley target a cup run to go alongside their survival fight in the Premier League.
Of his team selection, Parker explained: “There's a balance to that.
“I think it's fair to say that we will make some changes to freshen things up and certainly give players that maybe have not had a lot of football, to give them football, keep them up to speed and give them the opportunity.
“Obviously coming out the back of which has been a tough period with so many games as well that we rest some as well.
“We're going with a real full squad here. But I think it's fair to say we'll try and get a balance on it, that we're going with a real strong team that can put in a really good performance and win the game.”
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