BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche has revealed it was his call to leave Sam Vokes out of the squad to face Brighton at Turf Moor.

The striker had withdrawn from international duty with Wales two weeks ago after suffering a groin strain in the previous Championship game at Wolves.

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It was hoped the fortnight’s break from domestic action would be sufficient time for Vokes to recover.

But after having a late fitness test Dyche explained that he took the decision not to risk the 26-year-old at the weekend.

“It was minor, but sometimes I have to make the decision, and there’s a bigger picture than just (Sunday),” said Dyche, who is now preparing his players for Saturday’s trip to Cardiff.

“Hopefully we made sure he’s going to be right going forwards.”

While Vokes missed out, Dean Marney earned his place in the Burnley squad for the first time since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in February.

And for Dyche it was another positive on a day when he felt his side proved why they are challenging at the top end of the Championship.

“I thought Brighton showed they are good side, but so did we,” said the Burnley boss.

“We yet again took a game on, particularly at Turf, and looked a very strong unit I feel.

“They are unbeaten. Chris (Hughton) will know the stats will change on that.

“We’ve had a loss so we know how that feels and we know how to react from it.

“That will be their next challenge.”

Burnley have had positive reactions to both of their Championship defeats, winning four and drawing one after losing at Ipswich in August, while they have not been beaten in eight games since falling 2-1 to Reading at home in September.

Of their latest unbeaten run, Dyche said: “We’re not really interested in that too much. We don’t overthink that. We are interested in points. That’s our main thing.”

Burnley are level on points with Middlesbrough and Derby, occupying fifth spot on goal difference, after Andre Gray earned a 1-1 draw from the penalty spot.

“He’s still improving. The team was more than Andre,” Dyche added.