BURNLEY manager Sean Dyche was not surprised by striker Danny Ings' England exclusion but believes there is every likelihood he will graduate to the senior squad in the future.

The England Under-21 international scored five goals in seven games in January and early February and while he has drawn a blank in his last four, there was talk of him having a chance of being promoted to Roy Hodgson's squad for a Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania and the friendly in Italy.

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It did not materialise but Dyche believes the 22-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer and has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool, has the talent to make the step up.

"I don't think I am surprised," he said.

"I'd like to think he is in their thoughts but there are lots of other players out there who are doing well - the main one being Harry Kane.

"But I would certainly promote them continuing to monitor him because he has a freshness to the way he plays and is different to a number of centre-forwards who would be considered.

"He is definitely learning and that is a big thing when you are a young player.

"There are no guarantees, that is for Roy and his staff to decide on, but as long as he keeps progressing he will always be in their thinking."