KEVIN TAKES LONG ROUTE TO THE TOP

SeAN DYChe did not waver over defensive reinforcements in the summer, even though Michael Keane had joined everton and it felt as if a gap needed filling.

The Burnley manager was steadfast: there would be no replacement. he would keep faith in those at the club who had patiently awaited their turn.

James Tarkowski has since risen to prominence, partnering Ben Mee with honours. That was considered a risk, but against Watford Dyche went further, picking Premier League novice Kevin Long.

This was his fourth top-flight game. Long, 27, has as many caps for Ireland. he fitted in effortlessly, the afternoon ending in another clean sheet — a fifth at home already — as Dyche’s decision to trust what he had was again vindicated.

They keep on chipping away at a 40-point target that is looking more and more conservative as the weeks go by.

‘This is the closest I’ve ever felt to the first team,’ Long said. ‘every year I’ve either been out on loan or not been involved.

‘It’s strange because it’s the most successful the club has been, but it’s good. I keep working hard every year to try and improve myself and when the squad improves I’m improving with it because I’m training with better players every year.’

Scott Arfield scored the winner just before half-time, six minutes after Watford’s Marvin Zeegelaar saw red for an ugly lunge.

Burnley sit six points clear of Watford and five ahead of Leicester in the battle of the best of the rest.

Watford’s Andre Gray praised his old club, saying: ‘They’ve