STEVEN Defour has hailed the Clarets' group mentality as the best he has witnessed in his storied career

The former Standard Liege, Porto and Anderlecht man is a man rejuvenated this season for Burnley, starting every Premier League match and impressing alongside Jack Cork in a thriving midfield partnership.

After a difficult first season at Turf Moor the Belgian has found his feet this term, benefitting from a full pre-season and looking far fitter this term.

He's also fully integrated into the squad now, hailing the close-knit nature of the group as the best he's been around and he believes that is a key part the Clarets' success this season.

"The group mentality is the best I’ve been in in my career. It’s a whole group, it’s not a few different groups," the 29-year-old said.

"Everybody is working to get the results, even the guys who don’t always play they come in and show they are very important also. That’s a big thing this season."

Defour has previously credited the five-strong Ireland contingent at the club with helping foster that spirit within the camp.

And he revealed that the squad regularly socialise together to keep the spirit strong and the connection on the pitch close.

"We’ve been on a few drinks this season," Defour said. "It makes us stronger and we all can get together outside of football it really helps, that’s why you’re fighting for each other on the football field."