One to Watch – Chris Eagles

Burnley midfielder Chris Eagles has been identified by Vital QPR as the One to Watch as QPR welcome Burnley to Loftus Road on Saturday.

Name: Chris Eagles

Date of Birth: 19/11/85

Former Clubs: Man Utd, Sheffield Wednesday, Watford, NEC

Appearances (Goals): 165 (23)

Skilful midfielder Chris Eagles will have to be watched closely on Saturday as he looks to continue his impressive start to the season and help push Burnley into the playoff positions against an unbeaten Rs side. With already 5 goals to his name in the league this season, QPR’s defensive unit will have to be tighter than ever to keep the 24 year old at bay.

Having originally come through the youth system at Watford he joined the Manchester United Academy at the age of 14. Eagles eventually made his first team debut in 2003 as a substitute in a League Cup game against Leeds, but in order to gain some first team experience he was sent on loan to Watford in 2005 where he made 13 appearances and scored 1 goal.

Further loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Watford again followed, where he scored a memorable goal for the Hornets against Brighton scoring from the half way line, subsequently winning him the club`s goal of the season award.

In 2006 he spent four months on loan at Dutch outfit NEC Nijmegen, making 15 appearances and scoring one goal. He found himself back at Man Utd and in 2007 scored his first senior goal for United in a 4-2 win over Everton, in a season where they managed to clinch the Premier League title.

On 29 July 2008 Eagles signed a 3 year deal with Burnley for an undisclosed fee. The former United winger made a major impact in his first season at Turf Moor and played a prominent role in the Clarets’ promotion from the Championship, making a total of 41 appearances scoring seven goals in the 2008/2009 season.

He went on to feature in 34 of the Claret`s top-flight games in the 2009/2010 season and stand out performances against Man Utd and Arsenal proved he could mix it with the best. Eagles will be determined to help Burnley back into the top flight and will have to be watched closely on Saturday.




Have your say on The Forum

Follow us on Twitter