Interviews

Burn: It's time for squad players to step up

Defender reflects on growing injury list ahead of busy period.

By Charlie Hanson • 08 December 2021

By Paul Hazlewood
Dan Burn made his first start in six Premier League matches in the 1-1 draw with Southampton.

Dan Burn has said he hopes he won’t be the only Albion defender on the pitch when Tottenham visit the Amex on Sunday.

With Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster side-lined through injury and Shane Duffy suspended, the former Wigan defender could be one of just three fit first-team centre-backs alongside Joel Veltman and Haydon Roberts.

Graham Potter’s men face a Spurs team who boast one of the best frontlines in the division with the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son.

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PL Highlights: Albion 1 Spurs 0

“I hope I’m not facing them on my own!” Burn joked. “It's unfortunate that all of our injuries seem to be in the same area, but I think it's just time for players to step up and ones that maybe haven't played as much game time as possible will come in and prove that we can play at that level.”

The 29-year-old has been hugely impressed by Duffy’s form this season.

“It's tough. I think that as a centre half in the Premier League, with the players that you're coming up against, you will pick up bookings, it's just natural, especially the way the game is played.

“Shane has been amazing this season. He’s already said he had a tough time last season when he was away and I've never been so happy for anyone when he scored that goal against Watford – I was buzzing for him. He was captain on Saturday as well, which just shows how much he's managed to turn it around.”

Albion have recorded back-to-back league victories against Spurs at the Amex, but Antonio Conte’s side have won their last three games.

“We were talking about that in the dressing room, as Aaron Connolly always brings up that he scored two against Tottenham - so I'm sure we'll hear a bit more of that this week, but we’ve had some good games against them in the past.

“They have had a bit of a tough time, but since the new manager came in they have picked up some results and I'm sure they'll be looking at us and hoping that will continue.”