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Football

25th May 2018

Walters set for move away from Burnley and it’s hard to blame him

Niall McIntyre

He’s grown frustrated at a lack of opportunities.

And it’s hard to blame him for that. Republic of Ireland international Jon Walters made his €3 million move from Stoke City to Burnley last July, but fast forward nearly a year and the 34-year-old forward has only made a paltry five appearances for his new club, with only three of those coming in the Premier League.

A combination of injuries, and the form of the players around him has kept him on the periphery for the Clarets and it’s hardly surprising that he’s angling to up ship.

Walters hasn’t taken to the pitch for more than five months for Burnley, with his last appearance coming in the FA Cup against Manchester City in January.

The strong Irish contingent at Turf Moor would have played a huge part in luring Walters from Stoke City, where he had been a club stalwart, but he has struggled to kick on in the same vein as colleagues Hendrick and Ward.

And an extended spell looking on from the sidelines like that must be tough for a lad like Jonathan Walters. Every year since 2010, he has made more than 20 appearances for his club, and he was always a regular starter.

As he prepares for Ireland’s upcoming international friendlies against France and the USA, Walters communicated his frustrations at his lack of game-time and confirmed that he is on the hunt for a move away from Lancashire.

“It’s so frustrating when you’re just sitting there and not playing. You train all week and to not be involved at the weekend is tough.”

“I’ve been fit for a while and in squads, but not picked,”

“I’ve got to assess it and see what’s there.  I’ve spoken to the manager and I’m available to go if needs be,” he said of his next move.

There are rumours that he will take a drop down to the Championship so as to ensure that regular first team football is a guarantee. His exact destination, however, is unknown as of yet.

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Burnley FC