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Nahki Wells admitted his Huddersfield return almost had the ‘perfect ending’ after he was denied a late winner at his former home.
Wells and ex-Town midfielder Scott Arfield were both given a warm welcome back to the John Smith’s Stadium in recognition of their efforts in a blue and white shirt.
But Wells might not have been so popular if he had managed to divert the ball past goalkeeper Jonas Lossl after getting onto a knock-down from fellow substitute Sam Vokes four minutes from the end of the 0-0 draw.
“It was good to be back in such a familiar place,” said Wells, who scored 49 times for the Terriers before making an August switch to Turf Moor for his first taste of top-flight football.
“I got a good reception from the home crowd, I’m just disappointed I couldn’t capitalize on the half-chance I had late on in the game. It was nearly a perfect ending.
“Vokesy did well to put it in that area I can thrive on. I reacted to it and maybe just needed an inch more to get more on it, but it was also a great save.
“I’ve had two Premier League appearances in the last three fixtures, so I’m delighted to be getting a chance.
“I felt I’ve been working my socks off and I’m fully fit now. I think have a lot to offer to this side, so I will continue to try and take my chance when it comes.
“I’m a bit a disappointed not to have that first Prem goal but the chance will come.
“I have to be patient, of course, and keep working hard, because that’s what I was brought in to do.
“It might be Liverpool, it might be Manchester City, it might be the game after, but I will keep going and keep working hard and it will come as soon as I get my chances.”
As well as saving from Wells – whose Premier League debut had come as a substitute against Tottenham a week ago following his recovery from summer ankle surgery – Lossl also denied Arfield and Kevin Long as the Clarets dominated the chances on offer.
And the Denmark international was a central figure as he also got away with tripping Jeff Hendrick to concede what looked an obvious penalty with an hour gone as the Clarets’ winless run - which has included three draws away from home to keep putting points on the board - was controversially extended to four games ahead of the New Year’s Day visit of Liverpool.
“It’s a bit disappointing and a small decision like that could be the difference between three points and not,” Wells told Clarets Player HD.
“We felt we were the better side and just missed out, but we go again on Monday.
“We are disappointed not to come out of here with three points but then again, we know how difficult it is to get a point in the Premier League, so we take one and dust ourselves down and get ready for Liverpool.
“It’s a big task but history this season has shown we can compete with the big boys and take points, so we will be fully up for it.”
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