City chief shrugs off Robinson suspension
remember on his home debut, making a series of strong saves in an extended duel with Edin Visca, and has yet to concede after three outings for his new club.
Dyche’s efforts in steering Burnley into Europe earned him considerable praise but he has made it clear the competition must come a clear second behind the Premier League.
As such there were seven changes in his starting XI, with a debut for £15m defender Ben Gibson the most notable.
But it was the recalled Ashley Barnes who was most eager to impress. He barrelled into challenges, chased long balls and almost scrapped his way to an early opener after upending Alexandru Epureanu and finding the side netting.
Phil Bardsley’s long-range drive worked Mert Gunok but Burnley’s possession quickly lost focus. Basaksehir only woke up in the 10 minutes before the break and could easily have taken the lead. Visca lashed one sighter over the bar but tested Hart’s reactions with his next two attempts. Kerim Frei was next to try his luck, but Hart dropped to his right to tip wide.
The tie was there to be won and both sides had half-chances, Sam Vokes from a corner and Visca once again failing to get the better of Hart with a skiddy effort.
But, just as he had done against Aberdeen, Cork made the difference. BRADFORD CITY head coach Michael Collins insists the suspension of Tyrell Robinson has not disrupted his squad ahead of the trip to Southend United.
The Bantams revealed in a short statement yesterday that the 20-year-old, who has 28 appearances to his name, had been banned with immediate effect.
No explanation was given by the club and Collins later declined to expand on the reasons behind the move.
He did, though, add that the players’ sole focus was on the trip to Roots Hall.
“We continue as normal while whatever happens, ” said the City chief. “It makes no difference to how we prepare. We are a professional outfit with professional players and we continue as we have done before.
“This gives the opportunity for someone else to step into the fray. That is the stance we have taken.
“I look for the ones putting in the hard yards in training and pushing for a place in the squad. There are places up for grabs.
“Lively training session gives me plenty of thought for the weekend.
“Clean bill of health other than the obvious ones who are more long term. Plenty of selection opportunities at the weekend.”
Asked if this had been a big test for someone just a couple of months into his first coaching role, Collins replied: “Not really, I am well prepared. I have been around the game obviously in a different context as regards to a player.
“I am well aware of the different faculties that come with being a head coach. This is one of them. It is all part of the job and you have to deal with it as it comes along.”