Burnley boss Sean Dyche delighted to have captain Ben Mee back

The search for a first Premier League victory of the season goes on, but captain Mee helped keep only a second clean sheet of the season in the goalless draw at Brighton.

Dyche felt he gave an ‘assured’ performance, the centre back a magnet to the ball as Burnley made 10 blocks in the game, but he also accepted Kevin Long was unlucky to be left out to make way.

Dyche said: “Kevin Long has done well and has been unfortunate - if we had a win on the board, then maybe I would have given Ben a bit more time.

”He has an effect, not just as a player and a captain as well, and I thought he gave an assured performance.

”He will get fitter and stronger for having that under his belt, and some more work over the international break.”

Mee’s presence is a huge lift, reuniting him with long-time central defensive partner James Tarkowski in what is recognised as the first choice pairing, and Dyche added: “He has earned his spurs.

”The way he is as a captain, the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch and also his consistency levels.

”It puts Tarky back on the right so you get balance.

”I thought Charlie Taylor was strong again tonight, Matt Lowton, and it was a good unit and a familiar unit that has done well over time

”Ben performed very well tonight and I think he will get even fitter and even sharper.”