Dan Burn admits ‘sit on bench’ is not easy after Newcastle loss against Brighton

Sure, I can restructure the text for you. Below is the revised content with all quotes from Dan Burn combined into a single block, with clear sections and proper context:

Dan Burn remains determined to cement his place as a starter at Newcastle United, striving to avoid being relegated to merely a squad player at St James’ Park. Despite the absence of club captain Jamaal Lascelles and Dutch defender Sven Botman due to injuries for another eight weeks, Burn has consistently featured in Eddie Howe’s starting XI, bolstered by a solid start to the campaign and his extended contract that now goes beyond the 2024/25 season.

Speaking on his personal contributions and aspirations after a 1-0 defeat to Brighton,

Dan Burn said: “I feel like I’ve been playing well this season. I’m not going to be a player that’s just happy to be here and be a good trainer and sit on the bench – I want to play and believe I’m good enough to play. I honestly feel like I’m still getting better and have more improvement to make. I’ve got a load of games under my belt so that experience helps as well. When you hit 30 everyone says that you’re nearly done, but I’m still enjoying it and have a lot of fight to push the lads and play at this level.”

Following the activation of a clause that extends his contract, Burn expressed his long-term ambitions with the club.

Dan Burn said: “The contract has been activated quite a while. I’ve always said that I want to be here as long as possible so to activate that side of it obviously gives me a bit more security. But I want more and I’d love to be here longer. I’d love to finish my career here. I’ve moved home, my kids are back with their family and get to see them a lot, that was always the plan.”

Beyond his current playing duties, Burn, originally from Blyth and a key figure in the dressing room leadership, with numerous captaincies since his £13m transfer from Brighton in 2022, has started paving his post-playing path.

Dan Burn said: “I’ve started my coaching badges, do little bits of media stuff, bits to keep me ticking over. I’d love to keep doing something with the club when I’m finished, whatever that may be.”