Charlie Taylor sees no reason why Burnley can’t return to the top half of the Premier League next season. 

The Clarets ended the campaign 15th having finished seventh 12 months ago to secure a place in the Europa League. 

Sean Dyche’s side flirted with a relegation battle after being slow out of he blocks, not helped by their foray into Europe, but eventually made sure of a fourth straight year in the top flight with time to spare. 

“I don’t see why we can’t push for the top half next season,” said Taylor, a mainstay of the side in defence.

“We’ve proved that in 2019, it’s credit to us, because there was massive pressure on at Christmas, it wasn’t easy, but we came through with flying colours.

“It’s exciting to see what the summer brings, and if we can carry this on, then the top half is realistic.

“The big six speak for themselves, they are in a different league, but outside that there’s no reason we can’t challenge to be the best again.”

Taylor has a largely positive outlook on last season, the Clarets’ points return when it mattered most in 2019 especially impressive. 

“It was a decent season in the end,” said the left back. 

“It was an enjoyable one as well, we had the Europa League even if it was a poor first half.

“We had ups and downs, but it was a brilliant second half of the season.

“It’s certainly not been a boring one!”

On a personal level it was a season where the former Leeds United man emerged as first choice for Dyche at left back. 

Taylor made 45 appearances in all competitions up from 14 in his first campaign at Turf Moor. 

That saw him move ahead of Stephen Ward with the 33-year-old leaving the club this summer at the end of his contract after five years of service. 

“It’s been brilliant for me,” said the 25-year-old. 

“Just to play every week has been incredible, it’s the best league in the world and I’ve loved every minute of it.”