Heaton: Burnley identity helps us focus

Burnley skipper Tom Heaton believes the Clarets’ clear playing style has helped their cause in the Premier League this season.

After Sean Dyche dabbled with a three-man midfield earlier in the season, he has reverted to the 4-4-2 which has served them so well in the past.

Burnley sit 13th in the Premier League – eight points clear of the relegation zone – ahead of their clash with second-placed Spurs at Turf Moor on Saturday.

And Heaton believes the clarity of their style makes match-preparation easier as they look to secure a second successive season in the top flight for the first time since 1974/75.

(Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

“Everyone in the squad knows the role and what we’re doing, injuries, suspensions, illness, whatever it is, whoever comes in knows what we’re trying to achieve,” said Heaton.

“We have a healthy respect for the opposition but we don’t get too sucked in, we try and keep the focus on us and it does help.

“It comes down from the manager that. He sets the stall out.

“We tweak it tactically slightly for different sides, but the general theme stays the same, our style of playing, he sets that really.

“A yo-yo club for me is too strong, I think we’re trying to establish ourselves as a Premier League outfit and that’s the challenge at the moment.”