Andre Bikey stated he would delay his departure to the African Cup of Nations in order to assist Burnley's first season in the top flight. The Cameroon star Bikey has told Clarets boss Owen Coyle that he will miss a pre-tournament training camp - meaning he will stay with the Clarets until early January.

"The Cameroon manager (Paul Le Guen) is going to give us the maximum time to be at the club," said Bikey.

"The African Cup starts on the 10th (of January) but I think we are going to get dispensation for four or five days.

"The English League doesn't stop so I don't have to be with the team for two weeks before.

"I am going to be with Burnley for the most time possible."

The central defender has been pressed into midfield by Owen Coyle and has impressed in his new role.

"When I came to Burnley I didn't expect to be in midfield but I am enjoying it and I try to play as the manager wants," he said.

"The most important thing is to get results and get a permanent place in this league. I think we have a team to do that.

"But you can't just be an optimist, you have to play to get the result and the points we want to secure our place in the Premier League."