Charlie Taylor reflects on Leeds United past as defender declares confidence upon Elland Road return with Burnley

BURNLEY'S former Leeds United left back Charlie Taylor says he cannot wait for Sunday's Elland Road return with the defender hailing "a huge part of my career" with the Whites.
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Having lost just one of their last four away games, Taylor says Sean Dyche's Clarets will arrive in Yorkshire confident in their chances and "knowing all about" Marcelo Bielsa's side.

York-born Taylor joined United's Academy as a nine-year-old and progressed to the first team with the defender going on to make 104 appearances for the club.

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With United still in the Championship, an out-of-contract Taylor then made the move to the Premier League to sign for Burnley in July 2017.

CLARETS CENTURION: Former Whites left back Charlie Taylor, right, pictured during Monday's 2-1 victory at home to Wolves. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images.CLARETS CENTURION: Former Whites left back Charlie Taylor, right, pictured during Monday's 2-1 victory at home to Wolves. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images.
CLARETS CENTURION: Former Whites left back Charlie Taylor, right, pictured during Monday's 2-1 victory at home to Wolves. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images.

Three and a half years on, Taylor has clocked up a century of games for the Clarets and will now take in his 102nd appearance for the club in Sunday's Premier League clash at Elland Road against his former side.

"When the fixtures came out, it was the first game that I personally looked for and then to see that it was the Boxing Day fixture was great," said Taylor, speaking to Burnley FC's Clarets Plus.

"It's a real shame there are no fans there from either team.

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"I'm sure it would have been a great occasion and a special day but as for the game I am obviously hugely looking forward to it and I can't wait for Sunday.

"Leeds was a huge part of my career.

"I spent nearly 12-13 years there and I have never been back since I left.

"We drew in the cup at Turf Moor and that was a good night for us but it will be nice to go back and see some familiar faces.

"We have picked up some good points on the road in recent weeks.

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"We know all about Leeds and how they play and what to expect really so we will be going there confident and hopefully we can carry on our form."

Reflecting on recently reaching the milestone of 100 games for the Clarets, Taylor said: "I was hugely proud and honoured to have made 100 appearances for the club.

"It's a good time for me and for the club and we want to kick on and I want to kick on and hopefully there's many more appearances here for me."

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