MCNEIL: IT'S IMPORTANT TO KEEP FINDING WAYS TO IMPROVE

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Wideman Dwight McNeil previews Sunday's Turf Moor clash with Spurs

2021-11-27T10:50:00.000Z

MCNEIL: IT'S IMPORTANT TO KEEP FINDING WAYS TO IMPROVE

Wideman Dwight McNeil previews Sunday's Turf Moor clash with Spurs

2021-11-27T10:50:00.000Z

Wideman Dwight McNeil previews Sunday's Turf Moor clash with Spurs

Dwight McNeil admits he’s relishing his reputation as Burnley’s biggest workhorse.

Wing wizard McNeil, who turned 22 this week, is functioning as a key cog in Sean Dyche’s machine as the Clarets aim to extend their unbeaten run against Tottenham on Sunday.

McNeil has helped spearhead an upturn in fortunes in recent weeks as a win against Brentford, bolstered by draws against Southampton, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, have left Dyche’s team just two points adrift of Premier League safety.

Trickery in possession remains McNeil’s key asset but the wide man, hailed by his boss for his work ethic this week, knows putting in the hard yards when the Clarets don’t have the ball can be just as significant.

He said: “When I first came in, I wasn’t as good at that side of the game.

“But I think as I’ve been playing and learning as a player, and with the team that I’m in at the minute, we know that we won’t have the ball for most of the game compared to other teams.

“I’m doing that side of the game better and I want to continue doing that side of the game better – I know that we have to work hard without the ball as much as when we have it.

“Especially in our team – it’s so important to keep doing what we’re doing and finding ways to improve.

“It’s all about first reading the game and anticipating a pass that the opposition can play. Just having those pressing triggers – we know how good teams are in the Premier League, and you’ve got to press in the right moments.

“You can’t press in ones or twos as teams can pick you off. It’s good to have the lads around – they help and guide you along with the gaffer. I’m always looking to improve that side of my game.”

Burnley battled from behind on two occasions against Palace as goals from Ben Mee, Chris Wood and a Maxwel Cornet stunner grabbed a point on home soil.

And that extended the Clarets’ unbeaten league run after promising performances before the international break against Brentford and high-flying Chelsea.

The red-hot form of Cornet has been a major factor in the Clarets’ recent turnaround and the Ivorian ace sent Turf Moor into raptures with his rasping leveller against the Eagles.

McNeil has loved having the former Lyon man around and added: “Max has been brilliant since he’s come in.

“He’s a great player and after coming from a different country, he’s grasped the opportunity and been fantastic for us.

“He gets on the with lads well and all of us hope the form continues for him.

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“We play a lot together in training – it’s good to get morale up and his movement and shooting is fantastic.

“We can learn from each other - Max has been so good for us and we want that to continue.”

The Clarets host a Tottenham side reeling from a shock 2-1 defeat against Slovenian side NS Mura in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

Antonio Conte’s team toppled Leeds in their last Premier League outing but look short of their usual fluency after a stuttering start to the season.

But McNeil is anticipating a stern test on Sunday and ahead of two crunch clashes against Spurs and Wolves, said: “We know that they’re a good team, will put that [defeat] behind them and be focussed. It’s a big game for them.

“The mood around the camp is good. We knew towards the start of the season we were playing well but weren’t getting points, but now we’re picking up points.

“We need to keep the form going and get the fans behind us on Sunday. It’s a massive game for us and if we get the result we want, it will massively help us going into midweek [against Wolves].”