Burnley defender has had a difficult transition at Turf Moor

The Burnley defender Dara O’Shea is keen to seize his chances following a difficult beginning to his time at Turf Moor.

O’Shea made 11 appearances this season after joining the Clarets from West Brom during the summer.

With just one win in their first 12 games, Vincent Kompany’s team is at bottom of the Premier League standings.

After a brief absence from the team, O’Shea has started the last five games, starting alongside Jordan Beyer in defense during last weekend’s 3-1 loss at Arsenal.

The 24-year-old is keen to secure a spot in the squad despite acknowledging that it is difficult to watch from the sidelines.

“It’s difficult to accept when you’re injured because you can’t play, but when you’re healthy and prepared and giving it your all on the practice field and you’re not chosen,” the man stated.

It is difficult, but it motivates you to keep going when you see the guys go out there and you have worked hard all week to try to get into that position.

“That opportunity will present itself again; all you have to do is seize it.”

“To be honest, not many words were said to me,” O’Shea continued. I’m not sure why, but I believe that’s just how (Kompany) operates.

“It took some time for me to process that, but now that I’m back in the picture, I’m playing consistently and I’m having a great time,” the player said.

The defender may play on Saturday night against the Netherlands while he is overseas on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

“We understand that we won’t be able to qualify, but we still want to do something special as a team because it’s an international match against a formidable opponent,” he said.

“We want to defeat the Netherlands away if that’s all we can do at this time.

“We want to succeed not only for the nation but also for (manager Stephen Kenny), who is adored by the team. He and I both, in my opinion, truly deserve something like that.

“There is no reason why we can’t (win),” O’Shea continued. That’s who we are, and it has been all during this campaign: whether you’re at home or not, you need to try to create an impression and quiet the throng, and that’s a terrific way to do it.