Flanagan signed for Burnley on a season-long loan from Liverpool during the summer.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche has told the Lancashire Telegraph that Jon Flanagan has fitted into the club well despite making just the one appearance so far this season – in a League Cup tie where they were beaten by Accrington Stanley.
The full-back signed on a season-long loan from Liverpool following his return from a knee injury that kept him out of action for 18 months, and Dyche says the 23-year-old is building up his fitness, but hasn’t been able to get into the side ahead of Matt Lowton and Stephen Ward.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche
Dyche is quoted in the Lancashire Telegraph, saying: “There is a good competition there. Flanners has fitted in well here and he’s getting back to real fitness and sharpness, it takes a long time, we’ve seen it with our lads. He’d been out for a long time.
“He’s enjoying it, he wants to play of course but he’s enjoying what we offer here.”
Flanagan made eight appearances for Liverpool from January onwards last season but manager Jürgen Klopp clearly felt some time away to build up his fitness, and possibly get more game time under his belt elsewhere was the best option for him in order to try and get his career firmly back on track.
Liverpool’s Jon Flanagan in action with Watford’s Ikechi Anya
For now, it seems, that Flanagan has to be patient when it comes to first team opportunities. There will be times when injuries strike, and busier fixture periods which will mean that one or two changes to the side have to be made.
He just needs to keep his head down in training and continue to work hard. Judging by Dyche’s comments he is taking a full part in sessions and gradually building his fitness up but has been unable to get on the field in the last four games – where he has been an unused substitute.
If he keeps working hard, his opportunity will come. Then he will just have to take it.
Liverpool’s Jon Flanagan
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