SEAN Dyche believes Burnley’s training camp in Spain will be vital to the club’s hopes of a strong end to the season.

The Clarets are currently away for some warm weather training, with their next game not coming until Brighton visit Turf Moor next Tuesday.

Burnley operate with one of the smallest squads in the Championship and Dyche believes the break is important as they attempt to maintain their promotion challenge.

The Clarets sit third in the table and will face five games in 19 days when they return to England, and later have seven matches in March.

Dyche said: “I think we’ve had 18 players start games for us this season. That’s unusual because the norm is about 27.

“It’s fair to say they’re giving everything with that mixture we want, good energy, good framework to play from and some really good quality.

“We’re happy with that but the break, going into March when there are a particular number of games coming up, we will get chance to refuel, re-energise and bring them back, hopefully in good spirits to carry on.

“It’s finding the balance – mental and physical rest.”

Sam Vokes, who scored in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday, agrees with his boss.

“It’s good to get together and get refreshed for the next 20 games,” said the striker.

“You could say Saturday was two points dropped but it’s another one gained towards that promotion.

“We came away with another point on the way to where we want to go.

“There’s a long way to go yet.”

The Clarets have dismissed further reports linking Danny Ings and Kieran Trippier with a January move away from the club as speculation.

Ings was linked with Fulham, while Stoke and West Bromwich Albion are said to be interested in Trippier.

Burnley remain determined to keep hold of all of their star players during the transfer window.

Contrary to reports, it is also understood that Burnley have not made a loan bid for Chelsea’s Netherlands under 19s defender Nathan Ake.