BURNLEY defender Tyrone Mears has told his team-mates to be prepared for increased scrutiny, both on and off the pitch, now they’re in the Premier League.

The spotlight fell on Turf Moor this week when a national newspaper pictured former Manchester United midfielder Chris Eagles with his white Lamborghini.

But Mears has warned that heightened interest in the club, and players, automatically comes with their top flight status.

“I think we’re going to get it all season, so it’s important that the lads stay strong and stay together, and that no matter what happens outside the camp we’re together,” he said.

“I’ve had it at West Ham and Derby County, and to be fair it really affected us at Derby – we weren’t strong enough mentally to cope with all the negativity.

“But the lads look like a good bunch of lads and we all stick together.

"There are no bad apples, everyone's really good and will work hard, and that will definitely help us this season.

“Chris was a bit upset about it but I said you’re going to get that all season, from the colour of the boots you wear.

"Everyone’s eyes are on you, and that’s what the Premier League’s all about, so it’s important that we don’t let negative things affect us and just really enjoy it.

“That’s what I’ve learnt. When I first arrived at West Ham and young players were coming in with big cars, that was the first thing the press jumped on.

"We don’t have that here, but it’s something I’ve experienced and I hope I can pass on a bit of knowledge to the younger lads here because there will definitely be times when things are going against us.”