Burnley captain Ben Mee pushing for a return to Europe

Mee headed the only goal at Crystal Palace on Monday night – on his 300th league appearance for the club – to lift Burnley to eighth in the table.

If the side can maintain or better that position in the final six games, that would see the club qualify for continental football for the second time in three seasons.

They face another side with European ambitions on Sunday as Sheffield United come to Turf Moor, and, asked about the prospect of a return to Europe, Mee said: “Why not? It is a big game on Sunday now for us and we are certainly looking forward to it.

“If we play like we have been doing, there is no reason why we can’t go and get three points.”

Burnley go into the game with one defeat in 10 Premier League outings.

Only the top four have won more games, and Nick Pope has more clean sheets than any other keeper in the top flight.

Mee spoke about that all-important defensive solidity: “The clean sheets are piling up for us, and in that way it has been a really positive season for us as a back five.

“But we defend so well as a unit and a group and every man digs in.

“When you are alongside someone who is going to put their body on the line, it gives you the best chance of doing well in the game.”

The Clarets have won their last two games since losing 5-0 at Manchester City in their first game of Project Restart, despite missing several key players through injury, on top of those who have left at the end of their contracts.

But the players have gritted their teeth: “We are such a together squad with great character, we don’t complain, we don’t moan, we get on with the job. We are missing a few bodies but everyone is positive and working hard.

“It is great to play alongside someone who is going to put in that work for you.”

Mee’s goal against Palace was his first since January 2nd, 2017, netting in a 2-1 defeat at former club Manchester City, and he smiled: “It has been a long time coming so it was nice to get the goal.

“I have had a lot of chances in and around the box and have been unlucky with a few, and seen a few off the line and saved, so it was nice to see one hit the net.”

It came from an Ashley Westwood free kick, and Mee added: “Westy has a great delivery, in fairness that wasn’t one of his best tonight but it was nice to make it into a good delivery!

“His set piece has been quality and really good this season.

“And Dwight as well, both have really improved with their deliveries and it is nice for me and Tarks to get on the end of them and cause some problems.”