Burnley boss Sean Dyche has paid tribute to his players.

Dyche insists his Burnley players deserve all the credit as they close in on ensuring another season of Premier League football.

Burnley go into Monday's meeting with Champions League-chasing West Ham nine points clear of the relegation zone having played one game less than 18th-placed Fulham.

“It's been difficult for so many reasons," Dyche said. “I don't like to overegg it because we're not there, we've still got a lot of work to do, but even to get to where we are now has been difficult.

“There have been loads of challenges on and off the pitch: a sale that took forever, a lack of investment from the outgoing board at an important time, releasing players at an important time, the new board coming in at a difficult time at the end of a window, and loads of injuries.

“But beyond all of those challenges we've shown a really strong jaw, as we got tagged with a few years ago by Ian Holloway. We've been very strong mentally, and that's from the players as much as myself and the staff.

“I'm always proud of the players. Win, lose, or draw, they always give us a lot. I said in my first ever presser here, the only thing I'll guarantee is sweat on the shirt and that meant players who give a lot to do what we do.

“Nothing's done yet but we've gone a long way and now it's about finishing it off with a strong run of performances to make sure we do what we want to do and that's be in the Premier League."