EUROPE LOOKS JUST RIGHT FOR CLARET DWIGHT
vKick-off 3pm
DWIGHT MCNEIL says Burnley are in the mix to qualify for Europe again after coming through a mid-season blip in style.
The Clarets are suddenly one of the form teams in the Premier League with 10 points from the last 12 – including victory at Manchester United – following four successive defeats that left them looking over their shoulders.
If Manchester City’s appeal against their UEFA ban fails, the eighth place team will then qualify for the Europa League.
Burnley are just two points behind eighth-placed Wolves, and six adrift of Tottenham in fifth, ahead of today’s home game against Bournemouth.
McNeil had his first taste of European football last season when the Clarets qualified for the Europa League and the winger said: “It would be great to get European football again.
“Playing in it last year was a really good experience, especially given how well the lads had played the season before to qualify by finishing seventh.
“We were unlucky not to get through to the group stage. We could tell with the way we started the season that it was new for everyone. We didn’t have that depth, it was a small squad. But I think the lads adapted well to it and did well to stay up last season.
“I would definitely love to have the opportunity again. I don’t think anybody would have any doubts about doing it again. We’d all be more prepared because we’ve had the experience.
“Last time it was new to us, but next time we’d be more prepared and more experienced. If we got there again we could handle it better, especially in the Premier League.
“The lads have had a bit of banter about Europe but there hasn’t been too much. It just shows how quick the table can turn around. We’re on a good run at the minute and we’ve just got to focus on what we’ve been doing over the last four games.
“I think the main thing for us is to get to 40 points as quickly as we can.”
If Chris Wood fails a late fitness test on his hamstring injury, Matej Vydra will partner Jay Rodriguez up front.
The Clarets are bidding to complete the double over Eddie Howe’s struggling Cherries following their 1-0 win on the south coast just before Christmas.