SEAN Dyche has praised Burnley's performances of late and says they are coming back to those of last season.

The 47-year-old has bemoaned a difficult start to the season for his side and says their belief in what they do is returning.

Burnley's manager spoke on the fitness of midfielder Steven Defour.

"We've had one blip at Palace where we were way off the mark, but generally the performance levels have been coming back to what we're about, I think that's an important factor for over the season," added Dyche.

"There were a lot of things going on early in the season and it's hard for players, a lot of new situations, a lot of change, but they are getting back to what we think they can be about.

"Their understanding of what we do, the work ethic and belief in what we do, is showing again.

When asked on the fitness of Defour, Dyche said: "He's close but we couldn't take the risk.

"We're trying to get the squad back to full fitness - we know that's another factor, the injury list we've had this season, for the first time since I've been here, as regards soft tissues.

"We've had a few serious knees but not so much the soft stuff.

"We can't risk them, so hopefully they will be back in the thinking next week.

"But we're coming back to the group we think are a good group, and also the energy, belief and fitness levels, as regards injuries."

Irishman Stephen Ward has been out with a knee injury ever since returning from International duty at the end of September.

"Wardy is a little bit away, he's back on the grass working again. regular, not quite working with us, and Popey is getting on with it and getting stronger all the time," Dyche finished.

Tom Pope completed 90 minutes for the under 23s on Monday, this was his first in five months.