Dan Burn has angered some Newcastle United supporters with what he has said ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Athletic Club.
The 33-year-old is expected to start for the Magpies, with the defender named in Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI.
It will likely be Dan Burn’s ninth game in a row at left-back, having undergone a position change earlier this season. While centre-back is Burn’s best position, he has been asked to do a job at full-back in the absence of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall.
He has coped at left-back, but there is a clamour from supporters for either Livramento or Hall to come back into the side once they are fully fit.
However, Burn is confident there will still be a place for him in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
Dan Burn ‘confident’ he will continue to play for Newcastle United
The England international has spoken to the media ahead of Newcastle United vs Athletic Club in the Champions League. He was asked about Livramento and Hall’s looming return and the form of Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw at centre-back, and how that will impact his minutes in a black and white shirt.
“It’s good we’ve got those two lads coming back because they’re very big players for us and we’ve got good quality in every position now,” he said.
“The manager spoke this season that there will be a lot more rotation.”
Burn added: “I feel like I’ve built up a fair bit of credit with my performances for Newcastle since I’ve been here, so I’m confident that I’ll continue to play.”
Newcastle United fans unhappy with Burn’s ‘credit’ claim
While Burn thinks he has enough credit in the bank to continue featuring in Eddie Howe’s side, some Newcastle United fans on social media are not happy with his stance.
One supporter wrote on X: “Nah sorry, that’s not how it works, you pick the 11 that gives you the best chance of beating the team you’re playing, not based on how good you’ve played in 22/23!!!”
Another Toon fan added: “And that is everything that is wrong with us at the moment! He genuinely thinks that a first division standard LB (he is a good CB, but not in the same class as Botman) should be automatic LB because he has played well at CH in the past.”
“What a ridiculous and entitled thing for BDB to say. Very unlike him,” commented this Newcastle United fan.
This member of the Toon Army simply wrote: “That’s a worrying statement.”
The criticism aimed at Burn does seem harsh. He has admitted himself that he would rather play at centre-back, but has been doing a job out of position during the club’s time of need.
Howe has praised Burn for doing whatever Newcastle United need, and that is something he will continue to do as long as he plays at St James’ Park.
He will continue to play, whether that is at left-back or centre-back. Howe will find a way to get Burn in his side, in the same way that he finds a way for everyone to feature. With this gruelling schedule, rotation is essential.
Given how reliable he has been in multiple roles, Burn should be confident. However, he will need to do his talking on the pitch once Hall or Livramento are deemed fit enough to start again.
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