SAM Vokes has called for Burnley not to suffer from ‘new manager syndrome’ and instead maintain the hard work they have put in under Sean Dyche throughout the season.

The striker was disappointed that his first goal of the season was not made to count against Ipswich, as Dyche's 100 per cent start came to an end on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat at Portman Road.

But Vokes is confident it will prove to be nothing more than a blip for the new manager.

For the Wales international is confident the Clarets are putting in enough groundwork to ensure they pick up more good results than bad this season.

“It’s been a very good week. We’re all working hard in training, the lads are looking sharp and fit, and we’ve picked up two very good wins against two top sides in this league. I think that will stand us in good stead to push on,” said Vokes.

“He’s brought a lot of competitiveness and I think the work-rate of the team has been upped. We seem to be pressing harder up the pitch and working teams hard and putting a lot of pressure on the ball so I think he’s instilled that work ethic into the lads and it’s showing.

“He’s a strong character in the changing room and I think that’s what we needed – a leader almost. He’s worked well for us so far.

“Hopefully it won’t be a new manager scenario where we get the first couple of results. I don’t think that will happen because we’re all willing to work hard. And I don’t think he will let it happen.

“He’s been good and he’s a strong character.”

And after coming off the bench to score his first goal since becoming a full-time Claret in the summer, last FROM BACK PAGE season’s loanee Vokes is hoping to force his way into new boss Dyche's plans.

“It’s a fair fight, of course. Obviously different formations we play suit different players. I’m just trying to impress the new manager in training and in games when I come on and hopefully that will lead to a starting place,” he said.

“I think I'm pushing closer. Obviously Charlie (Austin) is doing fantastically, he’s scoring goals every week, so it’s a tough position to break into but the couple of times I’ve come on we’ve worked well up front together. Hopefully we’ll get that chance.”

And after a few near misses, Vokes hopes his first goal can kick-start him for the season, although there were question marks about whether he or Ipswich defender Danny Higginbotham got the decisive touch.

“I was in the box, Junior (Stanislas) put a great cross in and I managed to get a little nick on it. I think he (Higginbotham) guided it in, but I’ll take that as my first one,” said the 23-year-old.

“It’s obviously good to get your first goal of the season, especially at this stage, so hopefully it’s onwards and upwards.

“It’s been very frustrating. I’ve come off the bench a few times and had a chance right at the end against Wolves but when you’re not in a rich vein of form they sometimes don’t drop for you,” he added.

“Hopefully I can turn that corner and get a few more now. It’s my job as well (as Austin) to contribute so it would be good to get a few more after this.

“It’s massive to get on the scoresheet and get off the mark. I'll try and kick on from here and try to get a few more and break in to the side. I want to get a run of games under my belt.”

Meanwhile, reports that Burnley have begun talks to offer Austin a new contract, and put a £10million pricetag on the top scorer's head, are unfounded.

The Clarets have not yet begun any negotiations with the striker, whose contract expires in the summer of 2014.