ALAN Mahon admits he must keep knuckling down to regain his Burnley place.

It is almost three months since the creative midfielder earned a starting nod for the Clarets.

After completing a £200,000 summer move from Wigan, the season started brightly for the Dubliner as he made eight straight league and cup starts.

But since he picked up a groin injury in the 4-2 victory over Barnsley on September 12, Mahon has been restricted to substitute appearances due to a series of consisent performances from his midfield colleagues.

By his own admission, the 28-year-old admits his early season form failed to reach his usual high standards.

But Mahon, once described by Clarets boss Steve Cotterill as the jewel in our crown', is not one to feel downhearted as he strives to reclaim his place.

"I wasn't really playing that well," admitted the former Tranmere and Blackburn Rovers man.

"Wade Elliott has been in extremely good form and along the with the other lads, the midfield has played extremely well, so I've got no complaints.

"It's up to me to conduct myself well in training and get myself back in the team.

"I've worked hard but the lads have been playing very well."

Mahon added: "We're all aiming for the same goal and even though I'm not playing I'll muck in. That's football!

"As long as everyone is contributing in a certain way then that is the most important thing.

"We work hard together and I'm just happy to be involved."

The Republic of Ireland international first donned a Clarets shirt last term, making eight loan appearances at the back end of the season.

It therefore did not take Mahon long to settle into his new surroundings once he finalised a permanent six-figure switch from the JJB Stadium.

And five months into the Championship campaign, Mahon is enjoying his time at Turf Moor and he admits the Clarets' high standards in training contribute to that.

"It didn't take long to settle. I think I was settled within a month," said Mahon.

"It's easy when the lads are a certain way and when the management and staff have a certain character. It made it very easy for me.

"I've been around a few clubs, but the training here on a daily basis is the best I've had and every day is enjoyable.

"There's always something new and I'm really made up with the standard of training.

"(Assistant manager) Dave Kevan has a lot to do with that and the training is one of the main reasons why the lads are doing well.

"Dave and the gaffer push us hard and I don't think there's any other club that trains as hard, but so enjoyably."

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