'He's matured': Parker on loanee Edwards

Marcus Edwards forged a new career for himself in Portugal before moving to Burnley on loan

Burnley manager Scott Parker says Marcus Edwards has matured since the days when he was criticised by his former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino for having "behavioural and authority problems".

The 26-year-old has signed on loan for the Clarets from Sporting Lisbon for the rest of the season and was on the bench for Tuesday's win over Oxford United.

Edwards was likened to Lionel Messi by Pochettino but moved to Portugal with Vitoria Guimaraes and then Sporting when his career in North London stalled.

Parker told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I've been around Marcus for some time. [When he was] a young boy of 13 years of age was the first time I was introduced to him, when I was doing my coaching badges. He's a special player with special talent.

"We need to take care of him, as he's not played a lot of football - the last time he played was November, December, so he needs a bit more training time.

"He's definitely matured, and also probably the understanding of Marcus as well (has improved). He's gone off to Portugal on his own, and there is maturity there.

"He was a young boy in and around London and when you're a young boy sometimes there's a difference in the way you are, but he's matured and there's no denying he's a special talent."