Scott Parker has laid down a challenge to Burnley’s Hannibal: ensure his impressive display at Crystal Palace is not a one off.
[placeholder image
Read More
Scott Parker outlines Burnley's approach to Mansfield Town cup tie as Ward-Prows...](https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/scott-parker-outlines-burnleys-approach-to-mansfield-town-cup-tie-as-ward-prowse-admission-made-5597649 "Scott Parker outlines Burnley's approach to Mansfield Town cup tie as Ward-Prowse admission made")
Having found themselves 2-0 down, the 23-year-old was the man to spark Burnley’s comeback, curling home his first club goal of the season to halve the deficit.
Jaidon Anthony would then equalise before a Jefferson Lerma own goal handed the Clarets their first league win in 108 days.
While there’s no doubting Hannibal’s quality, Parker wants the midfielder to start repeating these displays on a far more consistent basis.
“That's the biggest thing now for Hannibal. Fundamentally, that is the sole focus,” he said.
“The quality for Hannibal is clearly there and we've seen that and I've seen that. Now it's about the consistency in his game, consistently in his behaviours.
Hannibal celebrates after scoring against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)placeholder image
Hannibal celebrates after scoring against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“I'm definitely starting to see a more mature Hannibal and his performance the other night was definitely that: mature.
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.
“He was getting kicked around the pitch early on. There was a real levelness to him, a calmness. He wasn't reacting in certain moments and when I speak about Hannibal, Hannibal is one that you never want to take that out of him because that's his biggest positive. But there probably just needs to be a tampering down of that at times.
“But I thought his performance on Wednesday was a top, top performance and I think he's earned the right to be in the team and he needs to maintain that.”
Parker particularly enjoyed Hannibal’s tussle with Adam Wharton on Wednesday, as the two went punch for punch in the middle of the park.
“It was a good battle,” the Clarets boss added.
“It was trying to earn a right against each other. One was kicking one, one was kicking the other and it was old school.
“It was an acceptance on both sides really, which I quite liked to be fair. I'll kick you, you kick me. I'll have the ball. It was me vs you and let's see who gets the better of it.”
Continue Reading