HARD work on the training pitch has dominated the last week for Burnley in the build-up to tonight’s game with Newcastle United. But manager Sean Dyche feels international duty has been just as vital for Robbie Brady.

The winger has only recently returned after 10 months out with a knee injury that required surgery.

While away with the Republic of Ireland, Brady played the full game against Northern Ireland in a friendly, followed by more than an hour in the Nations League goalless draw away to Denmark.

And Dyche expects the 26-year-old to reap the benefits.

“Sometimes there’s a bit of noise made about the international games and whether they’re useful or not, but they certainly have been on this occasion,” said the Burnley boss.

“Robbie got 95 minutes and 67, and he needed that to get more minutes into his legs.

“It’s probably the biggest challenge we’ve had and unfortunately the most busy time for us with injuries, from pre-season through to where we are now.

"We’re hopeful that once this finishes and the lads are all fit and over their injuries that there’s a better run, a more injury-free run going into the Christmas period.”