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Dan Barnes. Profile Image
Parker's side head back on the road in the Premier League (Image: PA)
Parker's side head back on the road in the Premier League (Image: PA)
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Scott Parker insists that Burnley have to put aside their FA Cup disappointment as they prepare for a tough test at Chelsea.
The Clarets had been aiming to build on their win at Crystal Palace last week – their first in the Premier League since the end of October – after fighting back from 2-0 down on the road.
However, they were stunned by League One Mansfield - who staged a comeback of their own at Turf Moor – after making nine changes to the side.
“We have to put it out of our mind now,” said Parker. “We have gone over it certainly this week and have an understanding of what it was.
“For me, it was very clear-cut. On reflection of both the games – Millwall, where we won 5-0 and this game - every single number is far superior.
“The difference is the result and that mainly comes down to the chances we created, certainly in the first half, we didn't put it in the net.
“But we move on now. We're going to Chelsea, coming on the back of a brilliant result last time we went away from home, and we look forward to this one.”
There will be no Stamford Bridge return for Armando Broja, who signed from Chelsea on a permanent deal in the summer.
Axel Tuanzebe is a couple of weeks away from being back in contention, while Connor Roberts is still some way off a return to the pitch.
“(Broja) won't make the weekend,” Parker confirmed. “He's picked up a little bit of an issue which has been ongoing for a few weeks now and we've had to intervene a little bit.
“He shouldn't be too long, hopefully a couple of weeks from now, but certainly for the weekend he won't be available to play in that game. Axel, the same, probably a couple of weeks away.
“Connor Roberts, more long-term really. I don't see him being available in the coming weeks slash months really, but Axel's probably a little bit nearer.”
The gap to safety is nine points following the result at Selhurst Park, and Parker insisted that his squad won’t throw in the towel.
“We have full belief now. We're fully committed to try and get some more wins and put some more pressure on,” the Clarets chief stated.
One of the big positives from the result in the capital was Hannibal’s performance in a slightly deeper role, including a fine strike which kick-started the comeback on the stroke of half time.
Hannibal has been in good form for the Clarets (Image: PA)
The former Manchester United man has shown glimpses of his talent this season but Parker believes he is now starting to find consistency.
“I think he was brilliant against Crystal Palace,” the Burnley boss added. “I thought he was very good in the previous game really.
“The biggest thing has probably been the consistency at certain moments in the last two performances. Even coming off the bench the other day, starting to see a level of consistency in his performances.
“He is clearly really talented and that position that he has been playing over the last two games has been a little bit different, but he's adapted very well to it.
“We know his ability, we know his quality, the inconsistency in his general performances at times. But for sure we're really pleased with him.
“He needs to maintain that and continue that because he's shown his quality in the last couple of games.”
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Jaidon Anthony was also on target against the Eagles with a composed finish past Dean Henderson, taking his tally to seven for the campaign.
“I think there's still more (to come). I think Jaidon’s done brilliant this year, to be fair, probably his first full season in the Premier League with consecutive games,” said Parker, who also worked with the wide man at Bournemouth.
“I think his goals, his numbers, what he's produced and certainly after the little dip he had - which I think is fair to say - he's bounced back very well.
“I still think there's more for him and I think that will come with more experience, more understanding of what this league demands and what he's going to need to demand. He's a bright boy, hugely talented and he just needs some time to progress more.
“In saying that, I've been hugely impressed with him and pleased with him in terms of the numbers he's produced and the goals he's scored, certainly after the little blip as well. I think it shows the character of him and the resilience of him to come through that point.”