SEAN Dyche insists Burnley are looking forward to the challenge of facing Aberdeen in a Battle of Britain Europa League tie - having worked hard to qualify for the competition.

Any dreams of a trip to a far-flung destination - for the fans at least - were dashed when the Clarets drew last season's Scottish Premiership runners-up in the second qualifying round.

Dyche will take his side over the border for the first leg at Pittodrie on Thursday, July 26, with the return game at Turf Moor on Thursday, August 2.

Burnley's seventh place finish in the Premier League last season secured a first European campaign in 51 years. Entering at the second qualifying round opened up the possibilities of trips to some of Europe's more obscure destinations, only for the Clarets to end 'just up the road'.

"Everyone knows it could have been anything, looking at the draw with the amount of different teams from different countries involved," Dyche said.

"And lo and behold we get someone just up the road.

"But we’ve worked hard to get here and we’ll look forward to the challenge it brings."

The tie is at least beneficial in terms of keeping travelling down for Burnley, with the first leg the first competitive game of the season for the Clarets.

Dyche's side play Preston North End at Deepdale in a friendly on Monday, July 23 before they head north for the first leg against the Dons.

On Sunday, July 29 they return to Turf Moor for a friendly against Ligue 1 side Montpellier and then play the second leg against Derek McInnes' men later that week.

"We know we won’t be travelling far, so it won’t be too unfamiliar," Dyche said of the draw.

"And it brings focus to the end part of the pre-season now that we know who we’ve got and we can prepare for what should be a competitive cup tie alongside our planning for the Premier League."

Victory over Aberdeen would send Burnley into the third qualifying round, with the ties taking place on August 9 and August 16.