No frills Canadian international defender David Edgar is currently plying his trade in the second tier of English football with Burnley.
Known by many for his ability to play all along the backline as well as defensive midfield, Edgar is certainly one of the more versatile performers within the English game. It may be due to his adaptability that the Canadian had not until recently been able to make a position his own at Burnley, whether at the Premier League level or in the Championship. But recent months have seen Edgar playing more regularly at the club level and the player himself admits that he has been pleased to have had the opportunity to play more regularly at his natural position.
“I think I just a chance to play in my own position (at Burnley) and I have been lucky to have had a manager who has given me a run of games,” says Edgar.
It was due to a lack of minutes on the pitch that Edgar went on loan to Swansea City in the 2009/10 season. Although it was a drop in division it was a beneficial move as it allowed the talented defender to make five appearances for the Welsh club and he rewarded them with strong performances as well as a goal.
Despite becoming a regular centre back for Burnley this season, it is fair to say that more had been expected of the Canadian International due to his extraordinary start to his senior career. And according to Edgar, individual success and team results always go hand in hand when it comes a central defender being able to solidify a place in the starting eleven.
“It's all about consistency and I have stayed in the team. We have had some good results and he (Burnley Manager Eddie Howe) has shown his faith in me,” says Edgar.
Having come through the Newcastle United Academy, Edgar had become a wanted commodity following a sterling display for Newcastle United on his home debut against Manchester United. Capping off his fine defensive performance with a 20 yard drive to level the game, the versatile defender hit the headlines and had more clubs monitoring his progress.
Having proved to be a reliable defender when called upon, it was only natural Edgar would look to become a regular, something he made public during the 2007-08 season. It was something that was granted to the defender the following season, however, sadly for both player and club, Edgar proved to be something of an unlucky omen. Newcastle United were unable to win any of the 13 games Edgar featured in for the Magpies. It would ultimately be Edgar’s last season with the Toon as Burnley agreed a contract with the Canadian as his contract had expired.
Having grown up in Kitchener, Ontario David was a stand out athlete at junior level, he worked his way into a position where he was able to pick which sport he wanted to play, whilst that was uncertain, a guarantee was that he would play at the highest level. Son of former Newcastle United goalkeeper Eddie Edgar, it was clear from a young age that David would have a very productive career in sports as he excelled at many sports including football, ice hockey and long distance running.
At just the age of nine he was offered a scholarship with Manchester United after being the star of a football tournament held in England which was sponsored by the Red Devils. However, it was turned down as Edgar had preferred to stay in his homeland. It would not derail his path into football as went on to play Provincial level football with Ontario. It was at the age of 13 Edgar decided to focus solely on football and quit playing ice hockey as much as he had previously. It was a decision which paid off handsomely as impressive trials with clubs such as Glasgow Celtic helped the youngster land at Newcastle United as they offered him a scholarship.
David Edgar has since gone on to make it to the highest level, as he has been capped 7 times by the International team.
Still only 24, it is arguable that David Edgar is just beginning to really find his feet at the senior level, showing he is still capable of making good on the potential Manchester United, Newcastle United and Celtic saw in him from a very early age. And Edgar himself understands plainly that at this point in his career he needs to continue to show the type of form that will label him as a consistent high level performer as opposed to a promising talent with considerable potential.
“As people may know, it has been quite tough with being in and out of teams and what not, but I'm happy with the way things are right now and I just need to continue and show in each game that I deserve to stay in the team,” states Edgar.
|