Development Squad defender Reece Burke said he is delighted to be back playing after a while out on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
The 18-year-old has been a key member for the Development Squad, making a total of 12 starts this season as well as five appearances for the U18s.
Having returned to action in the narrow 3-2 loss away to Manchester United on Tuesday 7 April, Burke is now looking ahead to the Dev Squad’s next game – against Norwich City on Friday 17 April at Rush Green.
“Obviously being injured is not the best time. I love playing so it was frustrating. Your first game back is always tough but away at Manchester United was about as hard as it gets. To come through it OK and play the full game was very pleasing. Hopefully I can stay fit for the rest of the season.
“I rolled my ankle so there was a little bit of ligament damage which meant I was out for a few weeks, thankfully it’s fully healed.
“It was good to play against some of the Manchester United first team players. Despite losing, I thought we did well.”
Having lost 1-0 to Friday’s opponents Norwich in the reverse fixture – a game that hinged on Lewis Page’s controversial red card early on - Burke is keen to avenge the defeat on Friday evening.
“Every team we’ve played this season has been good. I’m just hoping we can get a win, we haven’t won for a while. I thought we did well against Manchester United and hopefully we can put in another good performance.
“It’s nice to play at Rush Green, for me I don’t feel like it makes too much of a difference. For other players it might make them feel more comfortable, I’m not sure.”
Following Friday night’s game, the Dev Squad have just four games left of their league campaign, including tough games against Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground on Friday 24 April and away at title chasing Chelsea.
Looking back on a successful season, which saw Burke make his first team debut in the League Cup, he assessed: “I think my season has been alright. I’ve picked up a few injuries now and then which is annoying. I think I’ve improved and hopefully I’ll continue to do that.
“We’ve got quite a few centre backs at the moment, as much as we’re all friends, you have to try and do better than them. I think competition for places is good for everyone because it pushes you to do your best. That competitiveness drives you on."
The Development Squad play Norwich City on Friday 17 April at Rush Green, kick off is 7pm. Admission is FREE for all Season Ticket olders and U16s, £3 for all other fans.
We'll have live coverage of the game on www.whufc.com and across all other platforms.
The 18-year-old has been a key member for the Development Squad, making a total of 12 starts this season as well as five appearances for the U18s.
Having returned to action in the narrow 3-2 loss away to Manchester United on Tuesday 7 April, Burke is now looking ahead to the Dev Squad’s next game – against Norwich City on Friday 17 April at Rush Green.
“Obviously being injured is not the best time. I love playing so it was frustrating. Your first game back is always tough but away at Manchester United was about as hard as it gets. To come through it OK and play the full game was very pleasing. Hopefully I can stay fit for the rest of the season.
“I rolled my ankle so there was a little bit of ligament damage which meant I was out for a few weeks, thankfully it’s fully healed.
“It was good to play against some of the Manchester United first team players. Despite losing, I thought we did well.”
Having lost 1-0 to Friday’s opponents Norwich in the reverse fixture – a game that hinged on Lewis Page’s controversial red card early on - Burke is keen to avenge the defeat on Friday evening.
“Every team we’ve played this season has been good. I’m just hoping we can get a win, we haven’t won for a while. I thought we did well against Manchester United and hopefully we can put in another good performance.
“It’s nice to play at Rush Green, for me I don’t feel like it makes too much of a difference. For other players it might make them feel more comfortable, I’m not sure.”
Following Friday night’s game, the Dev Squad have just four games left of their league campaign, including tough games against Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground on Friday 24 April and away at title chasing Chelsea.
Looking back on a successful season, which saw Burke make his first team debut in the League Cup, he assessed: “I think my season has been alright. I’ve picked up a few injuries now and then which is annoying. I think I’ve improved and hopefully I’ll continue to do that.
“We’ve got quite a few centre backs at the moment, as much as we’re all friends, you have to try and do better than them. I think competition for places is good for everyone because it pushes you to do your best. That competitiveness drives you on."
The Development Squad play Norwich City on Friday 17 April at Rush Green, kick off is 7pm. Admission is FREE for all Season Ticket olders and U16s, £3 for all other fans.
We'll have live coverage of the game on www.whufc.com and across all other platforms.