Brady set for a new beginning
ROBBIE BRADY is determined to put last season’s disappointment behind him when he starts his first full Premier League campaign for Burnley next month.
All was going to plan for the Ireland international following his €15m move from Norwich City when he scored a screamer of a free-kick against champions Chelsea.
That goal in February would mark the highpoint for the 25-year-old as he was granted only a further six starts with him struggling to make his mark on his top-flight return.
On the international circuit too, he failed to build on his Euro 2016 heroics, incurring a needless booking in Austria which ruled him out of the crucial World Cup qualifier against Wales in March.
Back in his native Dublin last week for the start of Burnley’s pre-season schedule, Brady scored in Friday night’s 4-0 stroll over a young Shamrock Rovers side.
He knows a big campaign is in store and feels in good shape to banish the memories of last season.
“It was stop-start for me because I found it difficult after joining Burnley,” said the former Manchester United trainee.
“I got myself into the team, was back out, and then back in towards the end of the season.
“These things happen in football - or so I’m told. I don’t want them happening much.
“But I’ve had a couple of weeks off, had time to think.
“The break has done me good, getting a few weeks to relax, switching the body off to come back.
“I’ve approached this season well so far, feeling fit and raring to go for a good season ahead.
“I’m surprised how fit all the Burnley lads were coming back into pre-season. We were tested early the first couple of days to see how fit we were and we were flying.”