Dyche dismisses Shackell reports

Ahead of Burnley’s 1-0 friendly win at Rangers on Tuesday night, reports suggested Derby were in advanced talks to resign their former skipper, although a fee had yet to be agreed.

But Dyche was eager to dismiss such claims, and again stated that any outgoing deals will happen only on his say-so.

Shackell has missed the first three games of pre-season with calf and back problems, and Dyche said: “I can assure you he’s a Burnley player at the moment, I’m not saying that won’t change, but some of the reports are way, way, way off the mark.

“He’s just back at the ground getting treatment. There’s no situation, the only situation is the one that I control.

“We are in a strong position as regards our own players.”

Dyche, meanwhile, was pleased with the work-out against the Scottish giants at Ibrox, as Celtic fan Scott Arfield netted a 35th-minute winner: “It was excellent, they are nearly ready for their season, and we’ve still got another 10 days or so. It was a terrific game for us.”

Dyche was without keeper Tom Heaton, and strikers Jelle Vossen, Sam Vokes and Marvin Sordell with slight knocks.

Burnley face St Mirren on Wednesday in a behind closed doors game.