Brady needs time to adapt

Record signing Robbie Brady is still adapting to the Burnley way, according to boss Sean Dyche.
Record signing Robbie Brady celebrates his equaliserRecord signing Robbie Brady celebrates his equaliser
Record signing Robbie Brady celebrates his equaliser

The £13m deadline day buy had started the last three Premier League outings since making his debut at Watford as a substitute, following his move from Norwich City.

He scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea on his full debut with a stunning free kick.

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But, after struggling in the draw at former club Hull City and the loss at Swansea City last weekend, he was left on the bench at Anfield as the Clarets went down 2-1 to Liverpool on Sunday.

Without Johann Berg Gudmundsson, still missing with a knee injury, Dyche opted for Scott Arfield ahead of Brady on the left of midfield, with George Boyd on the right.

Brady came on for the last 18 minutes, replacing Boyd on the right, but Dyche accepts it will take time for the Republic of Ireland man to get up to speed: “I spoke to Robbie, he’s still new to it, still picking up how we work, how the team shape works, so that was my decision on that one.

“I felt he could affect it coming on.”

Brady was, however, expected to be selected yesterday, after the time of going to press, in Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Irelandsquad to face Wales on March 24th, alongside Clarets teammates Jeff Hendrick and Stephen Ward.

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Ireland lead Group D on 10 points, two points ahead of Serbia.

Meanwhile, skipper Tom Heaton returned at Anfield after sickness ruled him out at Swansea City, while Ashley Barnes was restored to the side after suspension, scoring the opening goal.

Jon Flanagan, ineligible against his parent club, will be available at Sunderland on Saturday, but doubts remain over Steven Defour (hamstring) and Gudmundsson.

Asked whether they had a chance, Dyche said: “Not Johann, I don’t think, Steven’s got an outside chance, certainly to be considered. We’ll have to see how the week goes.”