Burnley boss Sean Dyche says the Premier League is his main priority ahead of tonight’s trip to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.

The Clarets are yet to get off the mark in the top-flight following back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Liverpool.

And Dyche admits balancing league and cup football can be difficult when working with a small squad.

The Burnley chief is likely to make changes for tonight’s game, but insists the team he picks will be capable of winning.

“Premier League football for Burnley Football Club, for the town, for the area, it’s a great thing,” said Dyche. “So I’ve just got to be realistic about it.

“It’s another game to win, of course, I’ve always made that clear. But it’s a game to make sure you’ve got players who are fit, sharp and well. We’ve already had a couple of injuries, got two who are out from last season, so that’s not been great for us.

“It’s just a simple reality, the fact of the matter and what’s in front of you, and that is that the league games always will be more important, certainly at Burnley.

“We’ve had two games, we’ve had two losses. We went through it early last season (not winning in their opening seven league games) when it was very tough and we came through it.

“We’re certainly working to not allow that to happen again. We want to get points on the table, and therefore you’ve got to make sure your players are fit and ready. That’s just key to what it is when you’re working with a very small squad like we do.”

Ashley Westwood and Matej Vydra are doubts after missing Saturday’s trip to Anfield, while Kevin Long and Dale Stephens remain sidelined.