MATT Lowton has backed Burnley to prove a match for anyone in the Premier League this season - having sensed a change in belief inside the dressing room.

The Clarets right-back, who believes he is playing the best football of his career at the moment, said there had been a feeling in pre-season that Burnley could give champions Chelsea a tough test, and so it proved.

That 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge has been followed by draws at Tottenham and Liverpool and the Clarets now sit seventh in the Premier League ahead of today’s meeting with Huddersfield at Turf Moor.

“I think everyone has grown in belief massively,” Lowton said. “I always remember before the game at Chelsea, the first game of the season, we had this feeling that maybe we were going to give them a lot better game than we gave them last season (when Burnley lost 3-0).

“We went to places last season and were not quite acquitting ourselves the way we wanted to. We all made sure that first and foremost everyone is on it.

“It helped with it being the first game and everyone buzzing to be back but that first 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge how far we have come. And how much belief we have.”

Asked if the Clarets now felt they could beat anyone on their day in this league, he added: “Yep. I think the results we picked up last year, Liverpool at home sticks in the mind, teams that other people maybe thought we were not going to win and we did. That gave us a lot of belief.

“With the results we have had this season, the belief is growing and growing.”

As a result, Burnley have shifted their targets this season with Lowton determined to avoid a relegation battle.

And he believes the Clarets start to the season has forced the squad to rethink what they could achieve this term.

“I think it has to, yes,” the 28-year-old said. “That belief is going to keep growing.

“The depth in the squad is being shown. We are making changes and lads are coming on and impacting on games. The likes of Nick Pope came in and has been fantastic so we keep pushing up.

“The start has been good up to now and it’s key we keep it going.

“The more you are involved in the relegation battle the more people talk about it. It’s only going to play on your mind.

“The longer you can stay away from it and push towards mid-table it’s only going to be good for us.”

Lowton is facing competition from Phil Bardsley for his starting place this season, but the former Aston Villa man believes he is in the form of his life right now.

“I definitely think so,” said Lowton. “Towards the second half of last season I enjoyed it a lot and was playing my best football.

“I have started quite well this season but it’s important every weekend you give it your best. Hopefully I can keep that going.

“Competition is good and it keeps you are on your toes when someone comes in.

“It’s only good for the whole squad that everyone has competition for their place.”