SEAN Dyche believes Nick Pope has improved as a goalkeeper by training with his Clarets stars, but accepts that development is about to be put to the ultimate test.

The Burnley boss, as well as goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer, have seen Pope take strides in his game since joining from Charlton in the summer of 2016, despite limited action on the pitch.

The 25-year-old had made just five starts, all in cup competitions, until he was pressed into action a week ago in the win over Crystal Palace when Tom Heaton suffered his dislocated shoulder.

With the captain out for several months after surgery this week Pope is set for an extended run in the side and his first start at this level will come at Anfield today against Liverpool.

Dyche insists the former Ipswich Town youngster has improved as a result of working with better players day in day out and that the challenge of facing the attacking talent within the Turf Moor ranks in training has sharpened his game up.

“I certainly think it’s beneficial, if we continue like we have over the years, as the group gets stronger, the keepers have to work harder,” Dyche said.

“They have to be more attuned and more alive to the challenge, better quality, shots, technique, crosses - it keeps you alert.

“Add in a good goalkeeping coach in Bill, and it’s a healthy place for a goalkeeper to continue learning.”

But that learning and development at the Barnfield Training Centre will be put to the test now, starting with this afternoon’s daunting trip to Merseyside.

Pope has impressed in his few appearances for Burnley, conceding just once in those outings, to Accrington Stanley’s Matty Pearson in an EFL Cup tie last August, and having started last season as third-choice ‘keeper he overtook Paul Robinson towards the end of the campaign.

Former England man Robinson, who filled in for Heaton three times in the Premier League last season, called time on his career this summer due to the recurrence of a back injury, rejecting a one-year extension to stay at Turf Moor, handing Pope the chance to step up to the number two role on a permanent basis.

“The only measure is when you get out there and do it, so that’s the thing he has to mature into, but from what he’s learned, it’s been beneficial to him,” Dyche said of Pope.

“His curve has been appropriate, we got him involved at the end of last season, I told Robbo it was going to happen because we want to keep his growth going upwards, then he’s been on the bench this season and now he’s got his chance.

“He’s naturally been moving forward, now is the chance to go out and play.”