Burnley boss Sean Dyche is delighted with the competition within the squad after a successful summer market.

Dyche added three outfield signings during the summer transfer window and – crucially – kept hold of all of his bug guns barring out-going goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

Erik Pieters was the only one of the new trio to start against Southampton last Saturday, with Jay-Rodriguez coming off the bench against his former club and on-loan midfielder Danny Drinkwater watching from the stands following his deadline-day arrival from Chelsea.

And Dyche admits everyone now has a fight for their place after Pieters had claimed Charlie Taylor's starting spot at left-back.

“Charlie's been a bit unlucky. He is a bit behind the curve," Dyche added.

“He missed the early part of pre-season and that work is really important. We've tried to fast-track him through the games.

“But in balancing that, Erik has laid down a marker.

“He has made it clear in pre-season he's not here to make up the numbers.

“He's been at it all pre-season, fit, well, lean and wants to play.

“We want that competitive edge.

“We've got Jay-Rod as well and Drinky will get fitter. He's in good shape, actually, and we've been really pleased with that.

“But he needs a week to 10 days to get more used to us and get a feel of it. But those lads who've come in will know there's a competitive spirit.

“It's respectful, which is important, but there are people laying down markers already, which I think is a great thing to have.

“We have got real balance to the look of our squad now and I've got faith in all of them."