Nicky Hayen's verdict on Burnley's 'game of two faces' against Middlesbrough

Nicky Hayen believes Burnley’s draw against Middlesbrough can give his side a platform to build from.

The Clarets came from behind to register a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor against last season’s play-off finalists.

Hayen’s side were below-par during the first-half and can consider themselves fortunate to only be a goal behind.

But they showed far more endeavour after the restart, levelling through a fine strike from summer signing Ugo Raghouber.

Neither side were able to find that all-important winner, but Hayen was left encouraged by how his side responded to a poor start.

“Again, a game with two faces,” he said.

“I think it was not a good performance in the first half, although we started with good intentions the first 10 minutes, but then they scored the goal and there was a certain fear in the team.

“We were dropping back, we were not putting pressure in the right way and that's something that we changed in the second half.

“Then you see that we play with a lot more courage, we press forward and then you see that they even have problems to build properly like they did in the previous games.

“Then you felt after the goal, with the support of the fans, that you can change that game. But I have to be fair also, physically we're not there yet at the moment, because we have new signings who didn't have a proper pre-season, who didn't play a lot of friendly games, so they're still looking for their best shape.

“We're creating a team and building a team that will be successful, but we need a little bit more time.

“I know patience is something that's not common in football, but I think the second half gave everyone the courage and the satisfaction.”

Hayen added: “This is something we want to do, repetitive actions and keep on doing this.

“Like I said, we're not there yet at the moment, but you see also the reaction of the fans at half-time [boos], and I totally accept it and I don't have a problem with it. But you also saw their reaction after the game.

“This is the mindset that we bring into the dressing room, with new energy, new players who are coming in. So I felt after the game there is a new energy and this is something that we want to build on now.”