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We All Know What's Required - Stephens

Midfielder hopes for extended cup run as squad strength shines through

2021-01-25T10:35:32.024Z

We All Know What's Required - Stephens

Midfielder hopes for extended cup run as squad strength shines through

2021-01-25T10:35:32.024Z

Midfielder hopes for extended cup run as squad strength shines through

Dale Stephens seized his chance to help the Clarets progress in the FA Cup and hopes there’s more to come on the road towards Wembley.

Stephens started his fifth game in a Burnley shirt and gave a stand-out performance alongside midfield partner Jack Cork as the Clarets won 3-0 at Fulham to book their place in round five.

The summer signing was one of nine players given a start at Craven Cottage as the Clarets’ much-changed team backed up their Premier League win at champions Liverpool last Thursday night.

And Stephens believes the core values embedded in the squad again shone through as Sean Dyche’s men moved into the last 16 of the competition for the first time in four years.

We All Know What's Required - Stephens - Image 1

“We want to take our chance when we get the opportunity to play,” he said.

“A lot of the boys who haven’t played much football played today and it shows the strength of the squad.

“We put in a good performance and we’re happy to be through to the next round.

“That’s how the manager wants us to play – no matter what the competition, Premier League or FA Cup.

“We have a way of playing and he won’t accept anything else. You could see today with the boys who haven’t played much recently it’s still the same ethos and we know our roles and responsibilities in the team.

“Whatever game it is, we know the job is in hand.”

Stephens and the returning Cork are having to bide their time for another taste of the Premier League with Ashley Westwood and Josh Brownhill currently pulling out all the stops in central midfield.

We All Know What's Required - Stephens - Image 2

Both were given a breather at Fulham with Aston Villa due at Turf Moor for a league game on Wednesday night.

But the strength and experience of the team that brushed Fulham aside with a Jay Rodriguez double and a Kevin Long goal underlined the options now at Dyche’s disposal.

And Stephens – an FA Cup semi-finalist with Brighton two seasons ago – sees an extended run as a win-win situation for everyone with Bournemouth or Crawley Town next up in a fifth-round tie at Turf Moor.

“I think our form has been really good of late and to get minutes in the FA Cup is only good for everybody,” he told Clarets+.

“To get into the latter stages is a highlight in anybody’s career. If we can perform as well as we did today, we give ourselves every opportunity to do so.

“We’ve put out a strong side in this competition and we would like to get as far as we can. This is one step further and whoever we play next hopefully we’ll go and win that game.”