Quinton Fortune: Lyle Foster needs support to rediscover his confidence

South African football legend Quinton Fortune believes Lyle Foster needs an arm around his shoulder and the backing of those around him as the Burnley striker battles to regain his confidence after a difficult period for club and country.

Foster’s struggles have continued into the new season, with the 25-year-old omitted from Burnley’s squad for their opening fixture against Notts County after making only limited appearances during pre-season.

His situation follows a disappointing campaign last season in which he managed just three goals as Burnley were relegated from the Premier League. He also endured a frustrating World Cup with South Africa, starting their group opener against Mexico before being left out of the team for the remainder of the tournament.

Fortune, who made his name at Manchester United, believes the forward’s current problems are more psychological than a reflection of his ability and has urged him to rely on the support around him.

“I think for Lyle it’s probably just a lack of confidence and every player goes through that, but I was really rooting for him during the World Cup given the prospect of having Lyle up front.”

The former Bafana Bafana international insists Foster possesses the qualities required to succeed, pointing to his previous opportunity at Burnley under Vincent Kompany as evidence of his ability.

“He must have something to him because otherwise why would Vincent Kompany have brought him to Burnley?”

Fortune calls for patience and support

Foster was widely regarded as one of South Africa’s biggest attacking hopes heading into the World Cup, with expectations heightened by his experience playing in the Premier League.

Fortune believes that pressure may have contributed to the striker’s struggles and says he should not be left to deal with them alone.

“I just think he’s a player going through a difficult time and he probably just needs an arm around the shoulder. He needs support.”

The former United midfielder also highlighted the challenges faced by African players adapting to European football, particularly those who move abroad later in their careers.

“I was lucky when I came over to Europe, I was 14. Everything for me seemed like an adventure. These guys like Lyle are probably having a tough time. They left home later so it might be a little bit harder for them to adapt, but the quality is there.”

Fortune believes Foster’s family, teammates and manager all have a role to play in helping him rediscover his best form.

Championship could provide Foster with a reset

With Burnley now back in the Championship, Foster faces a fight for regular minutes, but Fortune believes the second tier could ultimately benefit the striker if he gets opportunities to play and score.

“Lyle needs the support from his family, his teammates and his manager because when a striker isn’t scoring goals, that’s all they want to do.”

He also warned that the Championship will present its own challenges, given its relentless schedule and physical demands.

“The games come thick and fast. In one month you can win three games and a week later you lose three games. It’s just like that, up and down.”

However, Fortune believes a return to scoring form could transform Foster’s fortunes.

“Hopefully he can get some early goals and get his confidence back because the Championship is not going to be easy. It’s a brutal league.”

“It can do him a lot of good though. He will feel much better if he can start to find the back of the net again for Burnley.”