Jones feels squad is stronger than ever

Aside from injury, when a thigh strain sidelined the 31-year-old for games against West Brom and Leicester City in the Premier League, Jones had been an ever-present for the Clarets in the league.

The one-time Preston North End, Wigan and Blackburn Rovers man had started all 103 fixtures that he was available for until he was demoted to the bench for the 4-0 triumph over Charlton Athletic at Turf Moor.

Having returned to his central role alongside Joey Barton for the victory over Bristol City, after also missing defeat against Hull City at the KC Stadium, Jones said: “There were a few changes and it just goes to show the strength in depth of the squad because we got the performance and a well deserved victory.

“You always want to play so it was nice to get a game today but the most important thing was getting the three points.

“It’s a squad game and we needed the win to bounce back from the defeat at Hull.

“I want to play every game and since I’ve been at Burnley I’ve been an ever present, and you don’t want to come out for the long term. But sometimes coming out of the team can be better for you.”

Jones added: “You have to look on it as a positive. Plus, we’ve got a good squad with good centre midfielders.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a case of how it was in the past where the squad wasn’t as strong when we first went up.

“Now it’s a strong squad, everyone’s competing for places, so it’s inevitable that if results and performances aren’t going for the team then the manager can put other people in.

“That provides competition. It just shows where the club’s at, it’s moved forward. We’ve got a strong squad with people competing for places. It’s not just my position. Other people came in on Monday and did really well.”

The Clarets christen 2016 with a Championship fixture against sixth place Ipswich Town at Turf Moor.

And Jones is wary of the threat that Mick McCarthy’s men pose following the 2-0 defeat the Tractor Boys dished out at Portman Road in August.

“It’s always a tough test and Ipswich will be no different,” he said.

“They’ve had a lot of good results this season and obviously beat us earlier.

“It will be another tough one but on the day we’ve got to be up for it and perform. We’ll be going for it, giving our all again.

“They’re a good team and they beat us earlier in the season so we’ll be up for it and I’m sure they will. Mick McCarthy teams always give a good effort.

“We’ll be concentrating on ourselves and hopefully build on this performance.”