'Important' Lyle Foster signs new five-year deal at Burnley
![Lyle Foster scores for Burnley](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.planetsport.com%2Fimage-library%2Fland%2F700%2F497685_lyle-foster-burnley-august-2023.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Burnley boss Vincent Kompany believes Lyle Foster will become an "important" Premier League striker after the South African signed a new five-year deal at Turf Moor.
Foster joined Burnley from Belgian club Westerlo in January and scored only once as the Clarets romped to the Sky Bet Championship title.
But the 23-year-old from Johannesburg, who is now contracted until the summer of 2028, has adapted quickly to the Premier League with three goals in seven appearances.
"He came in from a very small club and we believe he is going to be an important striker in the Premier League," Kompany said ahead of the league visit to Bournemouth on Saturday.
"When you compare what the benchmarks are in the Premier League I think it was a slight correction from our side, and also making sure we can have him a little bit longer at the club, so we are really happy with that.
"It took him six months (to settle) but he's happy and performing well.
"It's also not just what he's shown on the pitch, but off the pitch as well. His character, he's dependable, he's hard working.
"He's a player there for the team and also able to compete at this level. So it (his contract) is good for the club."
Foster began his career at Orlando Pirates in his native South Africa before spells at Monaco, Vitoria de Guimaraes in Portugal and Westerlo.
"I'm very happy to stay here," Foster told the official Burnley website.
"It's a club with very good people and I have really enjoyed working here and I'm pleased to extend my stay.
"I'm trying to stay focused and continue working hard. It's a long season with lots of tough games but as time goes on I think we will grow stronger.
"We will have a good season. I have plenty of belief and confidence within the squad, the coaches and everyone around the building.
"There is no need to stress. Just enjoy what we're doing and there's a recipe for success."
Burnley have several players unavailable as they head to the south coast one point and one position above 19th-placed Bournemouth.
Hjalmar Ekdal, Johann Gudmundsson, Jordan Beyer, Manuel Benson and Michael Obafemi are all expected to remain sidelined.
Connor Roberts will also be absent as the Wales full-back serves a one-match suspension for the red card he received against Brentford last week.
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