Dyche backs Burnley striker Gray for England call-up

Andre Gray has not set the world alight since arriving in the Premier League but Burnley boss Sean Dyche believes the striker is good enough to play for England.

Gray struck twice at Swansea City to take his goal tally to nine for the campaign, but the Clarets conceded a late winner to Fernando Llorente – handing the Welsh side a priceless 3-2 win.

With the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney all struggling for first-team football at their clubs, England boss Gareth Southgate may be forced to look further afield for his next international squad.

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And Dyche sees no reason why Gray cannot force his way into Southgate’s plans.

“There’s only so many active English centre forwards,” said Dyche. “The No.1 in my opinion is Harry Kane at the moment. I think he’s been outstanding for his all-round game, but there’s only so many.

“So it’s fair to say if you are an active centre forward in the Premier League you would at least be thought of because that’s the national side’s job, to make sure they monitor the players who are out there.

“I still think he’s (Gray) got things he can learn, he’s still improving, I still think he’s getting used to the realities of the Premier League, because it’s not easy.

“But he is a player who is improving. That’s a thing I’m big on here. Whether he’s ready for England, that’s for other people to decide.”