JFH impressed as Owen extends deal
OWEN Gallacher has immediately impressed new manager Jmmy Floyd Hasselbaink sufficiently to have his stay with Burton Albion extended.
The former Nottingham Forest trainee may even be in line for a first team recall after Hasselbaink watched him in the first week of training since returning to the club.
Gallacher, 21, is from Newcastle and started his youth career with the club in his home city before joining Forest, where he did not make a senior appearance until his release in the summer.
He joined Burton on a short-term deal in September as then manager Jake Buxton looked to boost squad numbers and has made seven appearances, including two League One starts, but he has not played since the 1-1 draw away to Sunderland on December 1.
Gallacher was named on the bench for last Saturday’s 5-1 defeat at home to Oxford United but limped away from the warm-up.
The effects of that did not last long enough to prevent him being involved in training this week and Hasselbaink has hinted that Gallacher features strongly in his plans.
“I’m happy that Owen has extended his deal with the club,” said Hasselbaink.
“I hope that he takes the opportunity given to him and does everything he can to tie down a regular playing position.
“He’s a left-back, he’s young, he’s quick, eager and he’s learning a lot.
“He’s a modern kind of left-back and took he will he on did be information one really of well the really in two training. left-backs well and He we will have at the club.”
When it was pointed out to Hasselbaink that five different players have occupied the position this season, he would not be drawn on who he considers the other natural one to be, along with Gallacher.
“We have people who have been playing there but they are not leftbacks,” he said.
Gallacher is relishing the opportunity.
“I’m delighted to be staying as that’s always what I’ve wanted,” he said.
“Since I walked into the club I’ve loved every minute. I haven’t played as many games as I’ve wanted to but I think that when I have played I’ve showed what I can do. “Hopefully, I can play some more games and can help us to get out of the relegation zone in order to stay up. “I want to kick on and show the new gaffer and the fans what I can do. Gallacher was also very complimentary about the training sessions that Hasselbaink and assistant Dino Maamria have delivered. “Training has been at a good tempo and the lads are working very hard to try and get us out of this position,” he added. “The gaffer has told us that he believes in us and I want to repay the faith that he’s shown in me to keep me at the club.”