Burnley boss Scott Parker has heaped praise on Lyle Foster ahead of Hugo Broos’ final Bafana Bafana squad announcement.
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The 25-year-old striker is now competing in his second season in the Premier League. The Johannesburg native first featured in what is widely regarded as the toughest league in the world during the 2023/24 campaign, shortly after joining Turf Moor under Vincent Kompany.
That season ended in disappointment for the Clarets as they were relegated, with Kompany departing for Bayern Munich soon after. To replace the Belgian, Burnley turned to Parker, who guided the side back to the top flight by securing an automatic promotion spot.
Foster’s journey has not been without setbacks. Midway through last season, he suffered a serious knee injury, before another shoulder problem curtailed his campaign. Despite those challenges, he has returned strongly, starting both of Burnley’s opening matches of the new Premier League season.
Parker expressed his admiration for the Bafana Bafana forward in a clip aired on SuperSport TV.
“Lyle's doing really well. He's worked really hard. He's come back from an injury that he had back at the end of the season. He's come back looking sharp," Parker said, via the broadcaster.
“He's worked tirelessly over the last three or four weeks, getting up to speed and being at his optimum, in the best place he can be really. He's put himself in a very good position. Certainly, Lyle will keep improving on his fitness and physically.
“Looking forward to Lyle this year and seeing what he can bring. I was delighted to work with him last year. He's an incredible human being with some real quality as well. Hopefully it'll be a big season for him.”
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Foster was included in Hugo Broos’ preliminary squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, and he will be hoping he makes the final squad.
