Burnley may be enjoying a purple patch right now, but for Danny Coyne the last 12 months have been a testing time for the experienced goalkeeper. Midway through last season the Welsh international ruptured knee ligaments and was forced to spend the best part of a year on the sidelines. Now fully recovered from his injury, the 33-year-old faces the challenge of trying to displace current no.1 Brian Jensen – not an easy prospect given the fact the Clarets have conceded just 14 goals in their first 16 league matches. However, a recall to the Welsh squad to face Liechtenstein has come as a timely boost for Coyne and he shared his thoughts with givemefootball's Mark Shail as Burnley prepare for this weekend's trip top of the table clash with Cardiff.
Q:YOU MUST BE DELIGHTED TO BE BACK IN THE WELSH SQUAD?
A:I was thrilled because not so long ago I was playing for Wales against England at the Millennium Stadium, but my injury came at a bad time and all of a sudden everything was taken away from me. But John Toshack called me and told me I was being named in the squad and I was obviously delighted, even though I haven't played a league match this season.
Q:ARE YOU FULLY RECOVERED FROM YOUR KNEE INJURY?
A:Yes, it's been fine for a couple of months now. I was out for a year in total. It's been a frustrating time, but the knee fells strong and I've done plenty of strength work on it. But Brian Jensen's been doing very well, as has the rest of the team, so it's not easy to break into the side right now.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED TO HAVE LOST YOUR PLACE IN THE SIDE THROUGH INURY?
A:It's just one of the things. I was playing well at the time and enjoying my football but I suppose it's just something you have to come to terms with. But there's nothing you can do about it. Now it's a case of taking my opportunity when it arrives.
Q:YOU MUST BE IMPRESSED WITH THE WAY THE TEAM HAS STARTED THE SEASON?
A:Yeah, the lads are performing really well, not just picking up results, but playing some great stuff as well. The results we've picked up have given the team a real confidence boost and everyone in the side is contributing right now. The gaffer (Steve Cotterill) worked hard on improving our fitness over the summer and our work ethic is first class.
Q:WHAT DOES STEVE COTTERILL BRING TO BURNLEY?
A:He's so dedicated, and all his energies are channelled into winning every game. His drive and enthusiasm is infectious and everybody desperately wants to do well. Every one of his team-talks, whether in training or on match days, is so full of passion and that rubs off on the players.
Q:IS AUTOMATIC PROMOTION THE AIM THIS SEASON?
A:I know it's a cliché, but in this league you can't look too far ahead – you have to take each game as it comes, you can't take anything for granted. Given the start we've had, it's important that we maintain the momentum - who knows what’s possible?
Q:WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS AHEAD OF THE TRIP TO CARDIFF THIS WEEKEND?
A:It's a big game for us because it's important that we keep tabs on Cardiff and Preston at the top of the table. Cardiff had a disappointing result last week, so they'll be looking to bounce back and we'll have to be at our best to take something from the game. Having said that, we're playing with a lot of confidence at the moment.
