Clarets’ Gray can take Deeney inspiration for Dyche

Burnley manager Sean Dyche believes striker Andre Gray can follow in the footsteps of other Premier League front men, and feels Troy Deeney is just the man to take inspiration from.

Dyche had the chance to work with Deeney while the two were at Watford, with the pair to meet up once again when the Hornets make the trip to Turf Moor on Monday evening.

And while Gray’s four-match suspension for social media comments from 2012 means he will be absent from the clash, his manager has noticed similarities between the journeys Deeney and Gray have taken to reach the Premier League.

(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

“My staff and myself worked hard with all the group at Watford, and certainly Troy, who started to flourish,” Dyche said of Deeney who, like Gray, started in non-league football.

“He was doing okay under Malky (Mackay) but had a strong season after we took over, and has gone from strength to strength since.

“He’s put a lot of hard work in, physically and mentally, to add to his base ability, but he’s a good guy and a very rounded player.

“He’s got a good story, similar to Andre, but different, in the journey they’ve taken.

“Troy has continued to develop each year, and he’s a great example, he’s done a fine job.”