Mee in peak form going in to derby

The 26-year-old remains the only individual in Sean Dyche’s squad to have played every minute across all competitions during the current campaign as he continues to impress at the heart of Burnley’s defence.

The former Manchester City trainee reverted to his central role in the final game of 2015, a 4-0 triumph over Bristol City, which was the first of seven clean sheets he’s contributed to in 11 games since switching from full back.

“I’m playing well and I’m happy with it,” he said. “I think this is possibly my best form. I thought I’d done well recently at full back but it’s different at centre half and I do feel more comfortable there.

“I’m just doing my job and doing what I’m good at. I’m really happy at the minute.

“Getting to know the game more has helped me develop. Gaining that experience of positioning and little tricks of the trade. You understand to do things at the right time. It’s just little things like that.

“The main thing about defending is not making mistakes all the time. I enjoy defending and it’s what I feel I’m best at.”

Mee added: “I’ve enjoyed playing the amount of games that I have. I’ve played a lot of games for this club now which has been great.

“If I could only play at centre half I might not have played as many so it’s been nice to get that experience.”

Mee scored his only goal of the term against the Robins at Ashton Gate in August while his solitary assist arrived in the reverse derby fixture against Blackburn Rovers as Scott Arfield guided the ball past Jason Steele at Ewood Park.

With the opportunity of a derby double on the line, and a first win against Rovers on home soil since Boxing Day 1978, he said: “I’m excited. It should be a good game and a good atmosphere. They are always ones you look forward to, definitely.

“It would be nice to get a win at home for all the fans that turn out. It will be an important day for a lot of them, I’m sure.

“Obviously from a fans’ point of view it is a massive game and one that they look for when the fixture list comes out, as do we. But it is three points and that’s what we want.

“We need to get the win. Three points would keep the pressure on everyone else.

“It would definitely give us another big lift. The win on Saturday was big and another big win would just carry on the run as well.

“We’re full of confidence so there’s no reason why we shouldn’t put in a good performance.

“It’s a derby so you know it’s going to be a tough game but I think our quality should show in the midst of it all.”