Clarets Stay Sharp With Training Ground Win

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Rodriguez completes comeback as squad keeps focused ahead of Premier League return

2021-03-25T14:55:50.969Z

Clarets Stay Sharp With Training Ground Win

Rodriguez completes comeback as squad keeps focused ahead of Premier League return

2021-03-25T14:55:50.969Z

Rodriguez completes comeback as squad keeps focused ahead of Premier League return

The Clarets made the most of a training ground runout against Derby County to keep themselves ticking over during their extended international break.

All the fit senior players not on international duty were involved in a game the Clarets won 2-1 at Barnfield, thanks to second half goals from Jimmy Dunne and Jay Rodriguez.

Charlie Taylor came through 45 minutes after missing Burnley’s victory at Everton in their last game 12 days ago with a hamstring injury.

And manager Sean Dyche was pleased with the workout – which also included a handful of the club's Under 23 squad – as his in-form side builds towards a return to action at Southampton on Easter Sunday .

“We’ve managed to squeeze a game in and thanks to Derby for coming up,” said Dyche, who had overseen a run of just one defeat in eight games prior to the three week break between fixtures.

Clarets Stay Sharp With Training Ground Win - Image 1

“Really it’s about keeping the players’ eyes in and not about scores or anything like that.

“We’ve got a long period without a game and you can only recreate so much in training.

“Most of them have played 45 minutes each. A couple have played a bit more, just for that match fitness and sharpness.

“But it’s more for the mentality and make sure their eye is in and make sure they’re ready to work when we go back to the real thing.

“It’s a bit of game practice for some and a bit of fitness for others. But mainly it’s a mental top-up, the understanding of what we do and all the habits we’re going to need when we start the programme again.”

The Rams led 1-0 at half-time but were pegged back when central defender Dunne – who spent a half each playing alongside Ben Mee and then James Tarkowski – nodded in a corner.

And just before his afternoon’s work was done after playing for close to 75 minutes, Rodriguez produced an impressive first-time finish with a strike into the top corner to complete the Clarets’ victory.