JOEY Barton came off in what could be his final Burnley appearance as he was struggling with a hamstring injury, boss Sean Dyche has confirmed.

The 34-year-old faces a hearing over his Football Association betting charge this week, with a lengthy ban potentially bringing the curtain down on his Turf Moor career.

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He was withdrawn 10 minutes from the end at Swansea as he was struggling with a knock, and Dyche said he couldn't risk him regardless of the uncertainty over his availability beyond this week.

"Joey was struggling with his hamstring a bit, obviously we don't know what will happen, but you can't risk players on the verge of a possible injury," the Clarets chief said.

Dyche will welcome back Ashley Barnes from suspension next weekend and Belgium midfielder Steven Defour could be in contention for a return against Liverpool after being sidelined with a hamstring injury since the end of January, but the trip to Anfield is likely to come too early for winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson.

"I doubt Johann (will be available)," said Dyche. "Steven Defour maybe, he's had a good week with us, so we'll see what the week brings."

Dyche also expressed his faith in 37-year-old Paul Robinson, who took the gloves off at the Liberty Stadium when Tom Heaton was taken ill 11 hours before kick-off.

"Robbo didn't have much chance with the goals, and Tom was unfortunately ill at four o'clock in the morning in the hotel, and just wasn't strong enough," he said.

"When you get one of those bugs, you feel awful, and with Popey (Nick Pope) with his ankle, he's not quite right as well, but we've got faith in Robbo, he's a very experienced keeper."

Despite suffering an injury-time defeat in south Wales in a five-goal thriller Burnley remained nine points clear of the bottom three, with results going their way, and only 11 games remaining, but Dyche was preferring to focus on the performances of his side.

"It's not even about that, it's just the fact I'm more interested in the performances, I speak about it endlessly, because I think they're important, and if you're doing that well, you will get things right," he said.

"We weren't miles off, the margins are tight, but we weren't like we have been, even away from home, but respect to them, I think they're a good side and I'll be very surprised if they hang around down there, I was surprised anyway mid-season."