SEAN Dyche says the Premier League must take precedence over cup competitions for Burnley.

The Clarets face fellow top-flight side Sheffield United in the second round of the Carabao Cup at Turf Moor tonight (kick-off 5.30pm). But while Dyche is a fierce competitor and wants to win every game he is involved in, his priorities will not change.

A cup run would be welcome, but not at the expense of securing a sixth successive season among English football's elite. Premier League status is paramount.

"I've made it clear all along, the Premier League remains the highest level of concern. We want to keep going in the Premier League," said the Burnley boss.

"We have tried to take cup competitions seriously but we've not always delivered in the cup competitions.

"But I've never lost sight of the real challenge and that is continuing what we are doing in the Premier League.

"It's a fact business-wise, the kudos of Burnley being in the Premier League is a bigger kudos and of course the finance involved."

But Dyche is not blessed with the option to rotate his squad given injuries to captain Ben Mee and midfielder Jack Cork, while Ashley Barnes only recently returned to training with the first team.

In addition, there has been a lack of investment so far this summer, despite losing Jeff Hendrick, Aaron Lennon and Joe Hart when their contracts expired at the end of June. The arrival of goalkeeper Will Norris from Wolves is the only significant signing.

Therefore, the manager is again set to turn to the Under 23s to bolster his matchday squad.

"We only have so many players for a start so my thinking is not maybe as open as other clubs," Dyche added.

"I think we've got a very good group here. Although it's low in numbers, we've still got some very good players.

"We think they are motivated, we want them to go into this game motivated and any changes will still be designed to win the game."