Unemployed ex-England star, 32, tears Euro giants apart in ‘electric’ trial at Premier League club
FREE agent Andros Townsend impressed during his trial for Vincent Kompany’s Burnley yesterday.
The former England winger, 32, was released by Everton this summer after Everton gaffer Sean Dyche deemed him surplus to requirements.
Townsend missed the entirety of last season with an ACL injury and found himself without a club going into this season.
But he impressed while on trial during Burnley‘s 2-0 victory over Portuguese heavyweights Benfica.
The Toffees won comfortably courtesy of goals from Owen Dodgson and Hjalmar Ekdal at the Restelo Stadium in Lisbon.
Kompany was keen to get a good look at his squad, making five changes throughout the game.
However, Townsend played the whole game yesterday and left fans impressed by his performance on the right flank.
One Burnley fan on Twitter said: “If I don’t wake up to an Andros Townsend announcement video tomorrow morning I’ll be fuming.
“Looked class tonight, sign him up.”
Another wrote: “Admin better have an announcement video lined up ready for Andros Townsend”
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A third added: “Andros Townsend really showing his class tonight.
“Can’t see a world where we don’t offer him a contract after this, quality player.”
While a fourth wrote: “Almost as though these two games have been his job interview – passed with flying colours.”
Burnley fans weren’t the only ones sitting up and taking notice of Townsend’s performances, with some Everton fans now regretting Sean Dyche’s decision to let him go.
An Evertonian wrote: “After watching Burnley Vs Benfica last night I can’t see why the club didn’t try harder to keep hold of Andros Townsend.
“He was electric against a full strength Benfica team.”
Benfica made it to the quarter-final of last season’s Champions League so Burnley fans will no doubt be impressed by his performances against such quality opposition.
He also played an hour in Burnley’s previous friendly against Belgian side Genk.
Townsend initially began training with the club to recover from his ACL injury but after impressing, has been given a formal trial by Kompany.