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The Championship promotion race is set to reach a fascinating finale, and Burnley can move a huge step closer to the Premier League when they visit Watford on Good Friday.
Last weekend, Leeds United and Burnley moved five points clear in the Championship’s top two as Sheffield United lost against Plymouth Argyle.
Burnley’s 2-1 win over Norwich City was Scott Parker’s men at their clinical best, scoring from both of their two shots on target.
On Good Friday, the Clarets can pile huge pressure on the Blades as they travel to Watford for a 3 pm kick-off before Chris Wilder’s side host Cardiff City in the evening.
It’s a massive chance to almost book their place in the Premier League, and ahead of their trip to Vicarage Road, Parker delivered some positive news.
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Scott Parker shares promising Lyle Foster injury update
In the win over Norwich on Friday, Parker praised Hannibal Mejbri as ‘outstanding’ after he opened the scoring with a fine finish.
But the Burnley boss was without another bright spark up front as Lyle Foster missed the clash after suffering a shoulder injury in the 0-0 draw against Derby County.
Parker initially feared the worst, claiming it ‘didn’t look good’ for the 24-year-old, but he is now hopeful that he will return for some of the run-in.
“We had some good news around Lyle and we are hoping we will see him again before the end of the season,” Parker told BBC Radio Lancashire.
“It may be as quick as over the next couple of games so, again, we are at the back end of the season, Lyle is in the frame of mind where he wants to get back as well.
“We will see, we will slowly push him, we pushed him [on Wednesday], see how he comes out of that and take it gradual with him.
“From the initial worry, whilst it’s still a biggish injury, it’s stable and it might be something if Lyle can tolerate, it’s still a big ask, but we will see where Lyle progresses with that really.”
Parker highlights three key ingredients in promotion race
Burnley have been criticised for their lack of goals this term, with Foster only netting two from 27 Championship appearances.
But Burnley’s defence has been record-breaking, conceding just 13 goals in their 42 matches, with their centre-back duo of Maxime Esteve and CJ Egan-Riley proving to be vital in their promotion bid.
While a watertight backline has been crucial, Parker has also named three other aspects that are equally important to seeing the job through, including belief, focus and togetherness as a squad.
“We’re at the stage of the season where there are probably three key things,” Parker said. “One is belief, one’s a clear focus and one is real togetherness. This team, we believe in everything we’ve built.”
Although the gap between the Championship and Premier League is huge, the excitement of returning to the big time isn’t lost on the fans, players and manager who are close to achieving their ultimate goal.