DRIVEN DYCHE WANTS SQUAD TO BE RECORD BREAKERS

SEAN DYCHE has challenged Burnley to break the club’s record Premier League points total.

The Clarets have 42 points with seven games to play and Dyche wants his players to aim for their best-ever haul of 54, set two seasons ago when they finished seventh.

“There’s a chance we could do it,” he said. “It’s more difficult, but it’s not impossible.

“When you haven’t got the players we are missing, and the squad size, it is harder.

“Does it increase the challenge to get those extra points? Yes, it probably does, but does it entice you? I would hope so.”

Dyche is pleased with Burnley’s progress ahead of tonight’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

They have kept 12 clean sheets and he added: “I’m proud of that, but I’m also proud of the fact we’re the fifth highest in wins.

“People say we defend to counter, but we try to win you know. It’s just that the other team are often very good and it’s hard to get out of that counter position. Twelve wins is a decent tally at this stage.

“If you keep clean sheets and score a goal, you’ve got a very good chance. We’ve done that well, mostly, over the season.”

Dyche is also delighted with how Matej Vydra has stepped up in the absence of injured duo Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.

The Czech striker’s chances have been limited at Turf Moor and Dyche feels he is finally buying into the team’s work ethic.

Vydra’s challenge on Craig Dawson led to Burnley’s winner against Watford last week and the Burnley boss says the former Derby man now understands his role is not just about scoring goals.

“He’s been waiting for chances to go and score a goal and I think he’s beginning to realise what team play is,” said Dyche.

“Team play can be getting that foul, defending from the front, getting a foot in, a block.”