BURNLEY manager Eddie Howe is ready to regroup over the international break, despite recording a first Championship win on Saturday.

The Clarets will have to wait until the visit of Middlesbrough on September 10 to see if they can capitalise on a confidence-boosting performance and result against Derby County, who had previously boasted a 100 per cent start.

But after losing key players to injury, on the back of the squad earlier shrinking through the sale of Chris Eagles, Tyrone Mears and Danny Fox, Howe is grateful of the gap between games.

“I think it’s probably come at a good time,” said the Burnley boss.

“We had extra-time in the week and the lads were extremely tired.

“That’s why I think the win (at Derby) was all the more impressive because the lads were really out on their feet in the last 20 minutes and a few players were playing through with cramp and other things.

“The break’s come at a good time because we can rest a few bodies and rest a few knocks then come back in confident mood.”

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