Arfield has high expectations

While demands from the outside have altered the Scotsman insists that the mentality has never changed inside the dressing room.

The last time out in the Championship, Sean Dyche’s side were among the favourites for relegation with bookmakers.

But it’s been completely different this year with the Clarets considered to be one of the contenders to gain promotion back to the top flight.

“The expectation from us was exactly the same two years ago as what it is now,” he said. “It’s never changed on the inside.

“That’s what got us over the line last time and I’m hoping it’ll get us over the line this time.

“The manager says one game at a time and that you can’t take anything for granted in this league.

“Personally that’s the best way to go and it stands you in the best stead to get out of this league.”

Arfield added: “It’s possibly harder because of the expectation. There wasn’t any expectation on us two years ago that we were going to achieve it but there probably is more expectation from the outside now.

“We were one of the favourites at the start of the season to go up but it’s a difficult league to get out of.

“We’re hitting form at the right time and hopefully that will see us in to May.”

The 27-year-old, however, feels that the Clarets have a better balance than the squad that took the division by surprise two seasons ago.

Arfield, with six goals this term, is one of 12 players to find the net in the league.

“It’s important you don’t put too much emphasis on the top two to score goals,” he said.

“There’s goals coming from everywhere, chances are getting created from every direction. There’s great balance and great confidence in the squad.

“It’s been that way through the whole season. I put emphasis on myself to score goals and chip in and help the boys out.”