BURNLEY manager Eddie Howe has told his players ‘it’s all to play for’ as he finalises his plans for the opening day visit of Watford.

The Clarets wrap up their pre-season programme with tomorrow’s visit of Premier League side Sunderland (kick-off 3pm), with boss Howe still not settled on his starting XI for when the new Championship campaign gets underway next Saturday.

After offloading three players at the end of last season and three more in the last month, Burnley were dealt a double blow this week as Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears left for Bolton Wanderers.

But while Howe continues the search for new recruits, with winger Vladimir Weiss the latest Manchester City player to be linked after landing young defenders Ben Mee and Kieran Trippier from the Etihad Stadium, he believes there is still plenty of competition in the squad as it stands.

“There are battles going on in various positions to see who’s going to get picked, and that’s what I want, those dilemmas,” said Howe, who left out seven senior players for Tuesday’s penultimate friendly at Oldham Athletic, which ended in a goalless draw.

When asked if he had the team to face Watford in his head, he replied: “No. I have a vague idea, but it’s not settled yet.

“The lads still have time to force my hand. There’s competition for places.”

And Howe was pleased to see the battling qualities that will be imperative in a rigorous Championship campaign on display at Boundary Park.

“I thought we showed a different side to us.

“I thought we defended really well and restricted quite a direct side who get the ball forward to long-range shots.

“We’ve done quite a bit of defensive work in the last couple of weeks so I was pleased with that.

“We can improve going forward and on the ball. But there with some tackles flying in, we competed, and that’s good to see.”

Howe was also encouraged by the partnership fit-again strikers Martin Paterson and Charlie Austin formed in midweek.

“I thought Charlie and Pato combined really well together in the first half, there were some positive signs,” he said.

“Obviously we’ve got Jay Rodriguez to come back in as well.

“Those three are looking good at the minute.”

Of Paterson’s progression in his comeback from the thigh injury that kept him out for large chunks of last season, Howe added: “I thought it was important on Tuesday that Pato got 90 minutes under his belt.

“We’ve eased him in gently in terms of minutes. We haven’t wanted to hit him too early.

"I thought it was the right time to get 90 under his belt and it’s an important step for him.

"I’m sure he’ll feel better and sharper for it.”