LOWTON: I WANT TO KEEP PUSHING ON

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Matt Lowton looks ahead to Saturday's Premier League clash with Brentford

2021-10-29T16:30:00.000Z

LOWTON: I WANT TO KEEP PUSHING ON

Matt Lowton looks ahead to Saturday's Premier League clash with Brentford

2021-10-29T16:30:00.000Z

Defender Matt Lowton believes the red-hot race to be Burnley’s right-back is elevating his performances to even greater heights.

And the experienced Claret hopes his newfound attacking prowess can help take the sting out of ‘buzzing’ Brentford when Thomas Frank’s Premier League new boys descend on Turf Moor this weekend.

Lowton has been a long-term presence at full-back since his arrival at the club six years ago and helped fire the Clarets back to the top-flight in 2015-16.

He’s seen off competition from Phil Bardsley to stay in pole position but with Connor Roberts arriving from Swansea this summer, insists he won’t take life for granted.

Roberts impressed in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup and Lowton said: “I was at the game and thought he played very well.

“He looked very good on the ball as equally as defensively. He’s obviously got the weapon of the long throw – he looked very good and since he’s come in, he’s trained well and looks like he’ll take to it brilliantly.

“That’s how the game is – competition for places keeps the lads in the team working hard to stay there.

“Phil [Bardsley] has been alongside me for a couple of years now pushing each other on – it’s just the nature of the sport and you need that competition so you don’t get lethargic.

LOWTON: I WANT TO KEEP PUSHING ON - Image 1

“You need to keep working hard – Connor coming in, he’s young, he’s hungry, wants to play Premier League football and he’s going to be pushing me every day.

“I’ve got to make sure that while I’m in the team, I stay in the team.

“The competition has always been there, so it’s up to the player who’s in the team to stay in the team. It’s up to me to raise my levels and make sure I keep my shirt for the next game.

“It gives you extra. The manager needs competition for places and it’s inevitable that there will be two or three in your position. It’s down to you to maintain that position.”

Lowton delivered another eye-catching performance from right back in the 2-2 draw against Southampton last weekend as his cross teed up new signing Maxwel Cornet to give Burnley the lead.

The former Aston Villa man has scored two goals in his six-year spell at Burnley but is relishing the responsibility of increasingly bombing forward.

He added: “I feel like I’m playing well. I said at the start of the season I want to contribute a little bit more going forward – so it was nice to get another assist on Saturday for Max.

“I want to keep pushing forward, keep pushing on – my form has been good this year but as a team, we need to start picking up results, so it would be nice to help out even more.”

DYCHE: WE WILL BE READY TO PLAY - Image 2

Burnley host Brentford in pursuit of their first win of the season and currently sit 18th in the Premier League table with four points.

Frank’s side have taken the top-flight by storm – they lie 12th – but Lowton believes Burnley have what it takes to now turn impressive performances into Premier League points.

“[Brentford] are full of energy – they’re obviously still buzzing from coming up,” he said.

“They’ve had a good start, so their momentum and confidence is just building and building.

“We know full well that it’s going to be a difficult game – they’re a hard working side, good on the ball, know what they’re doing and have started well.

“It’s going to be another tough game – it’s been frustrating because we’ve actually played quite well.

“The attitude has been spot on and we’ve just not performed in key moments, and in this league you’re going to get punished.

“It’s just about getting that first win on the board. We need to pick some points pretty soon – and Saturday’s another good opportunity for us at home.”