PREMIER LEAGUE pundit Richard Keys says Burnley had been “punching” above their weight under Sean Dyche.

The Clarets parted company with their long-serving manager last week as they bid to beat the drop and maintain their top-flight status.

Under-23s boss Mike Jackson took interim charge for their 1-1 draw at West Ham over the weekend with assistance from Paul Jenkins, Connor King and Ben Mee.

Keys says he still fancies Burnley to climb out of the bottom three but admits he now hopes Everton finish above the Clarets.

“I don’t share the anger at Burnley’s decision to sack Sean Dyche. I’m delighted for him,” he wrote on his blog.

“He should’ve got out of Turf Moor at least 18 months ago – maybe longer.

“He’s been ‘punching’ with that club all the time he’s been there. Let’s not forget that he had them in Europe at one time.

“In a straight fight between Burnley and Everton I’d still fancy Burnley, but now I hope not. I don’t like what I hear about what’s happening behind the scenes at Turf Moor.”

Sam Allardyce emerged as the early favourite to succeed Dyche at Turf Moor but Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder has now also been linked with the job.

The Clarets are back in action on Thursday night when they welcome Southampton to Turf Moor (KO 7:45pm).

They are currently three points behind the Toffees in the relegation battle, despite having played an extra game.

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