SEAN Dyche has told his players to embrace the fact they are no longer considered Premier League underdogs.

Burnley's seventh place finish last season has changed perceptions around Dyche's men. No longer are they considered the plucky outsiders punching above their weight. Instead beating the Clarets is now considered a scalp for a lot of sides.

That is an adjustment that Burnley seem to be struggling with in the early stages of the campaign and they find themselves bottom of the Premier League after five games.

The 1-0 defeat at Wolves on Sunday was a fourth successive reverse in the league, with 10 goals conceded having also been beaten by Watford, Fulham and Manchester United, and that run leaves Dyche and his side with work to do to climb the table after a shaky beginning to the campaign.

It's a far cry from last season when they started in fine fashion with a win at champions Chelsea and never looked back. But Dyche believes the highs reached last term could now be affecting the players this season.

And he has urged his men to take on the responsibility of becoming recognised Premier League players after last season's achievements.

“We’ve got to lift that fog, some of it is from work, some of it from mentality, and some from that inner belief," the Clarets chief said.

"The facts are the facts, and I told them after the game, they’re now recognised.

"Every year it's been ‘little old Burnley’, underdogs, but they’re now recognised because of last year.

"You have to grow with that responsibility- it’s actually something to be enjoyed."

Burnley's squad is packed with players who have had to fight for their chance in the top flight, often grafting their way up through the Football League.

But having now made it to the top and helped the Clarets to seventh and European qualification last term, Dyche now wants to see them enjoy the fruits of their labour.

"Some of these players have been fighting, year on year, to show the world ‘I’m a good player’, well then enjoy that moment, take on the responsibility that comes with that," he said.

"Continue to show the world what a good player you are.

"I think that’s changed somewhat, so they’ve got to grow with that."