JACK Cork believes Burnley's Premier League form is benefitting from their early Europa League exit - despite his disappointment at seeing the run in the competition end.

The Clarets battled past Aberdeen and Istanbul Basaksehir in qualifying rounds - with Cork the extra-time hero in both - before falling at the final hurdle before the group stage, losing a play-off round tie to Olympiakos.

While Cork was loving Burnley's Europa League adventure it did appear to be having an impact on the Premier League form, with the goalless draw at Southampton on the opening weekend the only point the Clarets picked up in their first five league games.

Since then they've recorded back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and Cardiff to climb away from the foot of the table and Cork believes having only domestic duty to concentrate on has helped.

"I loved the Europa League, it was great even though it was taking a lot out of us because we don't have the biggest of squads," the central midfielder said.

"I'm sure the fans loved it as well. It's just a shame that we didn't get through because we would have had some good games in Europe.

"But, it probably would have affected us in the league. It's good that we got that chance to play in Europe against some good teams. It was a great experience and I hope everybody enjoyed it.

"It's worked out well because it means we can concentrate on the league, which is our main priority."

The Clarets were certainly struggling to reach the levels of performance they managed last season early in this campaign.

They turned in some mixed displays in European competition and after the encouraging display at St Mary's on the opening weekend of the league season they were then disappointing, particularly in defeats at Fulham and Wolves.

But after a focus on trying to get back to what they do best, Burnley appear to be back on track.

"We do things in little spells," Cork said.

"We had a bad spell at the start of the season and we had to remind ourselves of what we're good at, where we've come from and what makes us what we are. We talked it through and it's paid off with two wins - one at home and one away."

Joe Hart has been critical to those wins, making a key save from David Brooks against Bournemouth with the score at 2-0 and then earning the broadcasters' man of the match award at Cardiff.

He made fine saves from Kenneth Zohore and Josh Murphy, while also showing a willingness to come from his line to clear set-pieces and long throws.

"He's been great and made some great saves," Cork said. "He made one last weekend against Bournemouth, a one-on-one, there were a couple against Wolves and one or two at Cardiff.

"He came out and punched a few and put one around the post. I think he's enjoying it, he's getting involved in the games a lot and he's doing really well.

"We're really, really lucky actually. The standard of goalkeepers we've got is unbelievable. We see it in training and we get to see it in games. They're all top class."

Hart's arrival has seen Tom Heaton remain on the bench this season, with Nick Pope also set to return from a dislocated shoulder around Christmas.

Hart lost his England place just before the World Cup but could yet add to his 75 caps given his form for the Clarets.

"I sense he's got that motivation and drive to play the games and do well," Cork added.

"You can see in his performances with the way he's involved with the team - he's loud, vocal and he wants to play for a good few years yet. You know someone like that, who's confident, is always going to help you out during the season."