Ward backs Clarets to shade Reds

Burnley might have made losing start on their return to the Premier League but Stephen Ward insists they can bounce back against Liverpool.

The Clarets went down 1-0 at home to Swansea last weekend and expect to make amends against the Reds at Turf Moor.

And having had to battle so hard to gain promotion from the Championship last season, Republic of Ireland international Ward insists Burnley are going to make every game count.

He said: “We’re excited for another big game in the Premier League. It was a tough game last Saturday and we felt we equipped ourselves well and were right in the game.

“Looking back maybe we deserved something from the game but you’ve got to move on. Every game is tough and it doesn’t get much tougher than Liverpool on Saturday.

“We worked really hard last year to get into this league so we’ll approach every game with the right mentality and believe we can win every game.

(Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)

“We’ve learnt a lot from last time we were in the league and a lot of the squad have had a taste of Premier League football.

“If we can get points on the board as early as possible then hopefully that will bode well for a good season.

“I think you could feel a confidence around the stadium from the players and the staff as well.

“There’s a real belief that we deserve to be here and we’re here on merit so we need to grab it with both hands.

“The performance last week was one with confidence too, I didn’t think there were many nerves and we’re really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”