Blackburn Rovers head coach John Eustace has sent a clear message to midfielder John Buckley, urging him to remain at the club and fight for his place in the team ahead of the January transfer window.
Despite struggling for game time this season, with no starts in the Championship and limited appearances off the bench, Eustace believes Buckley still has a crucial role to play for the club.
Patience and Opportunity Await Buckley
Although Buckley’s career has faced some stagnation over the past two years, largely due to injury setbacks and the impressive form of other midfielders, Eustace remains confident in the 25-year-old’s abilities. The manager has reiterated that he sees Buckley as a key player for the remainder of the season.
“I think John is a fantastic player and he’s been a massive help for the squad, he loves the football club. He really cares and he has been unfortunate that the two lads in there have done so well since we came back. John will get his minutes and play a vital role between now and the end of the season.”
With the suspension of Lewis Travis, a spot in midfield has opened up for Buckley, who is now poised to seize this opportunity. Eustace has emphasized the importance of squad depth, with competition in midfield always fierce.
“It’s always about the squad and players are looking to get in the team. There is competition every week in that midfield area,” he said.
Buckley, alongside players like Lewis Baker and Joe Rankin-Costello, will now be vying for a starting spot in the upcoming fixtures.
Injury Updates and Squad News
As Blackburn prepares for their upcoming match against Hull City, Eustace provided an update on the fitness of several players. The team will be missing Andi Weimann, Arnor Sigurdsson, and Balazs Toth, with all three players still recovering from injuries. Hayden Carter remains sidelined for up to six weeks, while Scott Wharton is expected to be out for the long term.
Despite these absences, Eustace is confident in the squad’s ability to adapt, with competition for places ensuring that no player can afford to relax.
Writer’s View
John Eustace’s message to John Buckley is one of patience and belief, offering the midfielder a clear opportunity to prove himself at Blackburn Rovers. Eustace’s trust in his squad’s depth will also be tested in the coming weeks, and the competition in midfield could push Buckley to rediscover his best form.
