SEAN Dyche says Burnley must strengthen in the January transfer window if they are to boost their efforts to sustain a promotion challenge in the second half of the season declaring: “We need it.”

The Clarets boss not spent a penny on player fees since taking charge in October 2012.

But that is expected to change in the new year with Burnley going into 2014 in third place.

The Clarets slipped from first on Boxing Day following defeat to Middlesbrough – only their third loss of the season – then were overtaken by in-form Derby County, who won at Barnsley while Burnley played out a goalless draw at Wigan Athletic.

Beforehand Burnley had spent more than two months in top spot, despite only using 18 recognised first team players in their 23 Championship games.

"We know the realities of our squad situation. We know the challenges of the division, we are still looking to operate into the new year because we need it," said Dyche.

"It's no secret to anyone. We've been working roughly with about 18 players and they've been magnificent. To be third in the table at the halfway point of the season, there have been some great performances, Sunday was a very energetic and very disciplined tactical performance, but there are challenges within that.

"We're encouraging the group to work beyond those challenges and believe in what we're doing, which they have been doing."

But Dyche, who has most recently been linked to Chelsea's Patrick Bamford and Coventry's Leon Clarke, admits it will be important to add to the squad in January.

"I think it's fair to say we will need support for the group," said the Burnley boss.

"How much support we can get will be a decision for the board. We know the finances of the club because they've been very honest with everyone. We do want to continue to be up there and challenge. It does get tough when you're working with small numbers - high quality numbers as they are.

"You know the belief I've got in the group and they've got belief in each other. But it is still handy if you've got bodies around.

"You saw the Wigan bench and the players beyond their bench, you saw the back of the programme. It always makes interesting reading for Burnley this season."