Nahki Wells Plays First Match For Burnley
Nahki Wells made his debut for Burnley during a Professional Development League match, with the Bermudian footballer — who has been recuperating from an ankle injury — saying it “was good to get some minutes under my belt after a long three or four months.”
The club’s match report said, “Dean Marney and Nahki Wells make comebacks as Clarets extend unbeaten run. Dean Marney successfully completed 45 minutes as he stepped up his comeback to help the Clarets’ U23s extend their unbeaten run to four games.
“Marney played just the first half – as planned – at the City Ground in his first competitive outing since sustaining a knee injury in January.
“And summer signing Nahki Wells also made his return from injury with a first outing in a Burnley shirt as the striker came through an hour.
“Wells is back in action after recovering from a minor foot operation to remove a screw inserted following surgery earlier in his career.
“And the former Huddersfield Town frontman looked lively whenever he got around the penalty area, almost creating an early chance for strike partner Tinashe Chakwana.
“Wells robbed Forest centre-back Ethan Stewart but his low cross just eluded Chakwana as he broke into the box. But the Clarets did go ahead after 22 minutes through Freddie Ulvestad.
“Wells made way for Khius Metz with an hour gone and the substitute had an immediate chance to make his mark, forcing Stephen Henderson to make a sharp save from his 12-yard strike. And the Clarets then had an even better chance to regain the lead.
“Arlen Birch’s far-post cross was poorly dealt with but from Stewart’s headed clearance, McNeil snatched at the opportunity and shot over the bar.
“It was good to get some minutes under my belt after a long three or four months,” Wells said. “To come out of it fit and healthy is the most important thing.
“I felt good. My fitness is still lacking but that’s going to come in the next couple of weeks. In training I have felt really well, but there’s nothing like playing a match.
“There’s no comparison to match fitness and I think that’s the only thing I lack at the minute, which comes through playing games.
“I will keep training and keep playing these games when they come about to keep ticking those minutes off and before you know it I think I’ll be ready to play my part when called upon.”
