Dyche not looking at the league table

Knowing how quickly the tables can turn, the Burnley boss is more concerned about reflecting on performances and results at this stage.

The Clarets clambered out of the relegation spots following a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United only to drop back down the following evening as Hull City grabbed a point against Everton at Goodison Park.

Dyche’s men rose to 17th following a 1-0 win over Southampton at the weekend but that could all change should QPR pick up their first point on the road this season against Roberto Martinez’s side.

“We haven’t really thought about it either way, I mean that sincerely,” Dyche said.

“We weren’t thinking about the league every week last year, we believe in performances, if they’re correct they usually get you what you want. There’s no guarantee with that but usually.

“Particularly early season there was a lot made of us not winning a game and I said it then, I was looking through the results to look at the performances.

“There has to be a future in how the team are playing and I thought there was early season, there are no guarantees for the rest of the season but the future I saw then is now beginning to deliver some results and at least make us even more competitive than we were in games.”

Dyche, meanwhile, applauded the character and desire of his squad after earning a third victory in six outings

“If you’re beginning to find success in any walk of life you feel more confident, more at ease and you deliver usually with a bit more freedom,” he said.

“The players are doing that well at the moment but there’s a real authenticity and honesty about this group, they get it from me and the staff and between themselves.

“We can only look at what we do and prepare appropriately for every challenge that comes our way. They know this is not a walk in the park.”

Dyche also reserved individual praise for goalkeeper Tom Heaton whose 61st minute penalty save against the Saints provided the platform for Ashley Barnes’s 73rd minute winner at Turf Moor.

“I think he’s more than just a penalty specialist, he’s been recognised as a very good goalkeeper,” said Dyche.

“Markers for goalkeepers, they love a clean sheet, as do the back four, as do the team here actually, we’ve built that mentality where the team take great pride in how they defend from the front, the work ethic, the belief and the tactical situation of the side and breaking that open to go and play.”

Dyche added: “Bearing in mind, he was one of four keepers I signed, my first signings at the club and I got absolutely slaughtered for signing four keepers as my first signings!

“I think people might have changed their views considerably by now.”