Ex-Chelsea star Scott Parker defends misfiring former Orlando Pirates star Lyle Foster as Bafana Bafana spot is at risk - 'He's been incredible, he gives us our options'

Former Orlando Pirates forward Lyle Foster has been struggling for goals at his Championship side Burnley.

He has managed just two goals in 21 appearances across all competitions this season.

But his manager Scott Parker has leapt to the defence of the forward who is facing a difficult time.

“Yes, he hasn't scored for a while,” said Parker, as per Soccer Laduma.

“But, you know, he's been incredible really. He's come off the back of a long-ish injury, and he's been... even against Preston on Saturday, his general game was brilliant. He gives us our options, he's sharp, he's technically nice, and he's been superb.

“On this occasion, he's not managed to put a couple of chances or things haven’t fallen his way in front of goal, so he’ll be disappointed. But that's life sometimes," added the former Chelsea man.

"That's the world we live in as professional athletes. Sometimes you have those moments, and Lyle has obviously had that in this game.”

One of Foster's priorities is getting back to top form and maintaining his place in the Bafana Bafana squad.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos is known to be strict with players and that could make Foster up his game.

It is to be seen if the Belgian will be patient with a player who last scored for Burnley in January.

Burnley host Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday in a Championship match and it is a game Foster will hope to start and score.

Being in a scoring form would be crucial for him considering Bafana Bafana resume their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in March.