‘We believe in the way we work’ - Sean Dyche

Instead, the North West Manager of the Year is embracing the seemingly perennial ‘underdog’ tag that the Clarets have adopted.

An 11-game winless run in all competitions didn’t do much to alter opinion on the outside, but Dyche knows that performances during that period warranted more than four points and a Capital One Cup exit.

“I wouldn’t say I’m scratching the surface of their potential because I think we’re delivering good performances - some better than others,” said Dyche. “I feel that we’ve been deserving of a win before these two wins came. Outside opinion is what it is - we know we’re the underdogs, we know people have and are questioning us.

“That question mark will soften but it’ll still be there - what can Burnley achieve this Premier League season? That gives us the freedom to go and play and deliver good performances.”

Dyche added: “We’re not interested in proving doubters wrong; we’re more interested in proving ourselves right. We believe in the way we work, so do the players, and it’s important that we have faith in that.

“We’re probably deserving than a bit more than we’ve got. Football’s like that - even when you perform well it doesn’t guarantee a result. You’ve got to work and fight for everything you get.”

The Clarets got their reward with back-to-back wins against Hull City at Turf Moor and Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. Now Dyche is ready for the next challenge when Aston Villa visit East Lancashire on Saturday, kick-off 3 p.m.

“The mood has been positive all season,” said Dyche. “We know the challenge in front of us. All it does is enhance the feeling because players are obviously designed to win - that’s what they want to do. It does enhance it but I think we’ve been positive all season with the way we go about our business.

“We just look at it and think this is another tough two Premier League games (against Villa and Newcastle United on Tuesday evening). They’re at home which is favourable and we love playing at home.

“The next one is Aston Villa and they’re a very good side with very good players and good management and staff. They’re another recognised Premier League team so the challenge is right upon us again.”