SEAN Dyche believes Burnley's growing band of potential internationals is a good sign for the club.

The Clarets have been adding to their international ranks in recent years with 15 members of the current squad capped by their countries.

That figure could be swelled further in the coming weeks with Nick Pope, Ben Mee and James Tarkowski all linked with England call-ups, with Austria boss Franco Foda will watch Ashley Barnes at West Ham this weekend.

Those potential new internationals speak volumes for how well the Clarets have been doing this season, with Sean Dyche's side seventh in the Premier League with nine games to go, and the Turf Moor chief is pleased to see the growing recognition for his players.

"It’s been going on for the last couple of seasons," he said. "We’ve added to the number of internationals since I’ve been here, more or less on a yearly basis, that’s very pleasing, it’s good signs of what they’re doing as individuals, what the team has been achieving and the club at large.

"It bodes well you are getting those players, they are maturing with us. It’s another thing which is a good sign of what we are trying to achieve as a football club."

Pope and Tarkowski have both been strongly linked with call-ups to Gareth Southgate's next Three Lions squad this month.

The England boss has watched Burnley in successive home games against Southampton and Everton and having capped Jack Cork in November he could yet bestow more good news on Clarets in March.

"They are certainly candidates to be spoken about. Corky as well, Ben Mee and Lowts are on the periphery, people mention their names," Dyche said.

"I respect Gareth and I speak to him, but I don’t always speak to him about the players here. If he asks my opinion I’ll give it but I do respect it’s very difficult to choose the right players in a squad whether it’s a friendly or a tournament.

"But it’s nice to see our players laying down markers and enough to be thought about. It’s good for them and good for us."

It could be a difficult month for Tarkowski, who is eligible for Poland through his grandfather, and if England don't cap the 24-year-old Poland may yet make their move, which could give him the opportunity to play in the World Cup this summer.

Dyche believes his centre back is good enough to play for England at some point, but said the choice would be a personal one for Tarkowski.

“I’d give an opinion if asked, but it’s their decision," he said.

“Tarky is relatively young in learning about this level, so it can only be good to be talked about, and the growth he has to come, hopefully, if he keeps maturing.

“He’s certainly looked at, possibly for the future (with England), but you have to balance out what you need now and the building blocks for the future.

“But if he keeps going the way he’s going, I’m sure he’ll continue to be seriously considered."