Rene Meulensteen is reconsidering Dan Burn’s short-term future at Fulham after the youngster’s outstanding displays since returning from his loan spell at Birmingham City.
Blues were hoping to loan the 21 year-old former Darlington defender until the end of the season after last night’s FA Cup third round replay against Norwich City, but so composed was Burn’s performance that Meulensteen has admitted he may be tempted to retain Burn’s services for the rest of the campaign to assist in Fulham’s fight against relegation. Partnering the returning Brede Hangeland, Burn helped Fulham to their first clean sheet in six weeks and – should he stay – could keep his place for the trip to league leaders Arsenal on Saturday.
Dan’s been a breath of fresh air. He did well in the Norwich away game. Him staying here now is definitely something we’re going to review, definitely.
He’s matured a lot in Birmingham where he had a very good loan spell and next to Brede Hangeland he looked extremely comfortable. The only way that I keep them apart is that he’s right footed and Dan’s left footed.
You work with him on the pitch – it’s great for someone like Dan to have Brede coming back from that injury so they can work together. Dan is a very bright boy, he’s not afraid to speak his mind, he talks, and that’s the sort of thing you look at, and it was a very positive performance from him.
Burn’s development has certainly been aided by two successful loans. He helped Yeovil to promotion from League One last season – scoring in the play-off final against Brentford at Wembley – and made 28 appearances for Lee Clark’s Birmingham before being recalled from St. Andrew’s in the New Year.
