Burnley won’t be wasting chance, Dons warned

Burnley star Jack Cork has warned Aberdeen that the Clarets have no intention of “wasting” their first crack at European football in more than half a century.

The Turf Moor men, who last competed in continental competition in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup of 1967, visit Pittodrie on July 26 as they seek to take their first step toward the Europa League group phase.

After securing seventh place in the top-flight last season – the best finish by a Burnley side since 1974 – the Lancashire outfit will be favourites to see off the Reds.

However, England internationalist Cork is taking nothing for granted in the battle of Britain.

“We just have to focus on the Aberdeen game first,” said the Burnley playmaker. “That’s not going to be an easy game at all. We have given ourselves the opportunity and I think it would be a shame to waste it.

“The focus is on the European games, to try and get a few wins in that and try to get to the group stage.”

Should Burnley progress through the qualification rounds, they could rack up six competitive matches before a ball is kicked in the Premier League.

While some English clubs have displayed a dismissive attitude towards the competition in previous campaigns, Cork is adamant Sean Dyche’s side are determined to make their mark – and is ready to handle the fixture congestion.

Cork said: “It will be a bit strange being a few games into the season before actually starting the Premier League season. It will be interesting to see how everyone deals with that.

“But we’ve got a fit squad and hopefully we’ll do well. We want to do what we did last year, try and get off to a good start.”