Winger previews Wednesday cup tie with Forest
Nathan Redmond believes Wednesday’s trip to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup is an opportunity for the Clarets to record the first victory of the season but knows it will be a testing opposition.
Burnley head to the City Ground in the second round of the competition and Redmond hopes some of the team’s training ground work can be put into play in Nottingham.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s cup tie, Redmond reflected on the challenging start to the 2023/24 campaign but the forward has all eyes on securing a third round place tonight.
The 29-year-old said: “It’s been a tough start in the Premier League with the fixtures we have had, there’s no easy game. We have played two really good teams.
“We’re still a new team, still quite fresh and building together. I think the cup is an opportunity to put some of things we have been working on into play.
“Everyone loves a cup run! Every club I have been at have had a good cup run, so it would be good to get that going on Wednesday.
“It’s a good opposition to test ourselves against but hopefully we can get our first win on the board.”
Redmond has featured as a substitute in both of the Clarets’ opening two league fixtures and the wideman is relishing the opportunity of potentially banking more minutes at the City Ground.
“On a personal note, I came into pre-season quite late. I was slightly behind on the fitness and gym work but the medical and coaching staff have been great with me.
“Easing me into the sessions and training and making sure I’m getting up to the standard as quick as possible.
“I’m looking forward to it. If I get the chance to get some minutes on Wednesday then perfect and I’m sure a few of the other boys are eager to get out there too.”
The forward is no stranger to the league cup, having played three times in the run-up to Birmingham City winning it in 2011 and earning a runners-up medal in 2016 with Southampton at Wembley.
Redmond added: “I have played in a few cup semi-finals, quarterfinals and finals! I was quite fortunate to be around when I was at Birmingham and played near enough every round except the semis and the final.
“Won the league cup with Birmingham, reached the league cup final with Southampton narrowly losing.
“So, the experiences have been there and they are always quite special and it’s a great opportunity for some of the younger players to get a taste of it.”
