Nicky Hayen hints at ‘structure’ change for Lincoln City clash

Nicky Hayen has hinted that he may look to change Burnley’s “structure” against Lincoln City following the latest round of injuries.

With Jamie Vardy ruled out, and Zeki Amdouni still sidelined, that leaves the Clarets woefully short on strong options for the number nine role for Saturday’s trip to Sincil Bank.

Armando Broja and Andreas Hountondji are the only realistic replacements, but neither has a goal to their name so far this season.

Dastan Satpayev, who can feature across the front three, also comes into consideration, but it’s understood his minutes continue to be carefully managed on his return from a hamstring injury.

“We have options, so we're going to see what is the best option,” Hayen said. “That means maybe changing the structure, so we will see what is the best.

“We need points and we just have to see which plan is the best to win points at Lincoln.”

Hayen will also need to replace Jacob Bruun Larsen, who is facing 10-12 weeks on the sidelines with a stress fracture.

Marcus Edwards could come straight into the starting XI on the right, which would see Largie Ramazani move over to the left flank.

Hayen will also have to be mindful that Burnley are up against a direct, in-your-face, well-organised Lincoln side this weekend, where his players will have to match the Imps’ obvious strengths.

“Of course, they play quite direct and have a lot of physicality of course, with set-pieces, throw-ins, free-kicks,” Hayen said.

“We have to be aware of that, but still there will be possibilities and we have to deliver the same quality like we did the first 35 minutes [against Wolves] because if we do this, we can hurt everyone.

“But if we fall back to an average level like we did the last 60 minutes, then it becomes difficult.

“But what I said, we start the week positive and this is the mindset that we want to show Saturday.”