Burnley boss praises striker Barnes

The 24-year-old, preparing for a potential home debut against Sheffield Wednesdat tomorrow, signed last Friday from Brighton.

But, with Danny Ings and Sam Vokes netting 33 goals between them this season, they will take some dislodging.

Burnley have missed out on players this season who were unwilling to take that challenge on, with chief executive Lee Hoos revealing in November: “Players who would normally consider a move to us don’t think they can get in front of the players we have.”

Barnes feels he can add to and push on Ings and Vokes, however, and Dyche said: “Ash has enjoyed it this week, he’s fresh to it, and there’s a good feel to the group as people know. I tell people the truth, and he knows the challenge.

“It’s great that he wants to be involved with Danny and Sam doing so well, and he believes in himself and wants to play for the club.”

And he hasn’t ruled out playing all three at some stage: “We consider all options for every eventuality.”

As regards adding to the arrival of Barnes, Dyche admitted: “There is nothing to report.”

The club continue to look to add one or two further signings, and he added: “We have no priorities other than the striker situation, which has been dealt with for the time being. We’re still lookingto allign the right players at the right price, as we still have to work within our finances.”

Middlesbrough’s Rhys Williams, who had a spell on loan at Turf Moor five years ago, has been linked with a switch, and while the versatile Australian is thought to be available, I understand it would take in excess of £1m to prise him away from the Riverside.

Meanwhile, Dyche is hopeful of Ben Mee returning to the squad to face the Owls.

Mee has missed four of the last five games with a thigh problem, and Dyche said: “He’s had a good few days. “Hopefully he’ll be back with us.”

Ross Wallace was hoping to get 90 minutes under his belt on Tuesday as he steps up his return after knee surgery in August, but the Development Squad game against Bury was postponed.

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