Rosler: Burns will be key during Town's run-in

Fleetwood boss Uwe Rosler says returning striker Wes Burns will be an important figure in the final run-in.
Wes Burns made his return on SaturdayWes Burns made his return on Saturday
Wes Burns made his return on Saturday

Town’s major January signing has been sidelined since the 0-0 draw with Rochdale in February due to an ankle injury.

But the 22-year-old was back to boost Rosler’s attacking options with a 25-minute cameo in the 1-0 defeat to Swindon on Saturday.

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Fleetwood have failed to fire in their last three games so Burns’ return is a timely one with Devante Cole (groin) still a doubt.

Burns is now back to battle it out with David Ball and Ash Hunter with Bobby Grant also an option for Rosler at Oxford tomorrow.

And Rosler believes the Swindon appearance will benefit Burns as they head into the final six games of the campaign.

He said: “That is a positive – I had the chance to give Wes 20 minutes and put him in a situation where it was probably a little bit unfair on him to shine.

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“I think 20-25 minutes help him for the weeks to come and I think he will be a very important player for us.”

Rosler says that, under normal circumstances, Burns would not be on the pitch but – given his lack of forward options – he has to play to work himself back up to fitness.

Burns joined the club from Bristol City in the last transfer window but is yet to score a league goal this term after spending the first half of the campaign on loan at SPL club Aberdeen before his move back to the Fylde coast.

The Cod Army know how clinical Burns can be with the young striker a big figure in Town’s survival battle last term, netting five times in 14 appearances after joining on loan from City.

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Now, with Town battling it out at the right end of the table, Rosler believes Burns will agree that the minutes will stand him in good stead.

He said: “Wes has been out for nearly three months; under normal circumstances, when we had different options, he would not even be on the pitch or the bench.

“The only way to get him fit at this stage of the season is to give him minutes.

“Obviously everybody saw he needs a little bit more basic work before he steps on the pitch.

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“That is no criticism, it is just a fact you find out when you put a player in that situation.

“Up front we don’t have many other options. Devante is on the way back, that is where we are at the moment and we have to find ways (to score).”