SEAN Dyche believes Steven Defour has benefited from a full pre-season with Burnley after hailing the midfielder's impact in the win at Chelsea.

Defour, a £7.5million addition from Anderlecht 12 months ago, played just 81 minutes of football for the Clarets from February onwards last season and it looked like his Turf Moor career could be over after just a season.

But a combination of limited interest and a determination to show his worth has seen Defour take considerable strides forward this summer.

An impressive pre-season was rewarded with a start at Stamford Bridge and Defour lasted 75 minutes, creating the third goal with a pin-point cross for Sam Vokes.

Asked if Defour had benefited from spending a full pre-season at the club, Dyche said: "I think he looks like he has. There’s no guarantees but he looks like he’s fitter, he’s adapted better, he understands the tempo of the game better and that it’s physically demanding, particularly here, they’ve got some very powerful players, they’re a big, athletic side.

"We know he can play, his ball for the goal is absolutely fantastic, so we know that. I think he’s mentally adapting as well.

"Even with all his experience the Premier League is a different animal. We’ve all seen it with players coming to the Premier League, some adapt quicker but some it takes time, so we’re hoping he continues building on his own performances and that’s effective for us."

Defour, 29, never completed a Premier League game last season as he struggled to adapt to the pace of the English game.

He found the going tough when Dyche reverted to 4-4-2, but playing in a three-man midfield against Chelsea Defour thrived alongside Jack Cork and the more advanced Jeff Hendrick.

The Belgium international was particularly influential after Chelsea had seen Gary Cahill sent-off early in the first half, helping the Clarets take the initiative.

Dyche is pleased to see that Defour has taken the fight on this summer as he looks to prolong his Clarets career and became an established presence in the Burnley midfield.

"The challenge is right there," the Burnley boss said. "It was tough last season, over the summer you get a break and a chance to look at things. He’s taken it on."