Burnley intend to field strong team against Canaries in FA Cup after impressive wins
Burnley's Dwight McNeil (left) and Matthew Lowton celebrate victory at Manchester United on Wednesday night Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire - Credit: PA
Burnley boss Sean Dyche intends to field a strong team against Norwich City in the FA Cup, after two morale boosting wins eased the Premier League pressure at Turf Moor.
The Clarets won 2-1 at home to Leicester last Saturday and 2-0 at Manchester United in midweek, to put themselves 13th and seven points clear of the relegation zone.
That leaves them in a strong position to secure a fifth consecutive season in the top flight, teeing up the chance to chase FA Cup success, but Dyche will not take the rock-bottom Canaries lightly.
"They're a good side. I know they're having their fair share of trials and tribulations that happen in the Premier League, it's not easy," Burnley's manager said. "So we have got to be aware of that.
"We'll certainly be putting out a strong side, what I believe is a strong side and strong enough to go and perform and win."
You may also want to watch:
Dyche was keeping his cards close to his chest but suggested centre-back Ben Gibson is not fit enough to be considered, with striker Ashley Barnes unlikely to be involved after hernia surgery last Friday.
Iceland winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson could be involved but a late decision will be made as he recovers from a hamstring injury suffered during the 4-2 home win over League One side Peterborough in the last round, missing three top-flight games since then.
Most Read
- 1 Norwich City transfer rumours: Swindon hoping to sign Omotoye on loan
- 2 No panic buy for Canaries after Hugill injury blow
- 3 Paddy Davitt: Player ratings after Canaries' 1-0 Barnsley defeat
- 4 Farke's injury fears for Hugill after Barnsley FA Cup loss
- 5 Paddy's Pointers: Five observations from the Canaries' 1-0 FA Cup defeat against Barnsley
- 6 Paddy Davitt verdict: Cup finals aplenty if City seal the deal
- 7 Rusty returns could prove crucial in the long run for fit-again City stars
- 8 'Concentrate on the league klaxon' - City fans express disappointment at FA Cup exit
- 9 Farke's words of advice for Soto
- 10 Norwich City transfer rumours: Canaries interested in Luton midfielder
He was also asked if a club like Burnley could win the FA Cup again. The Clarets lifted the trophy back in 1914 but have only made it to the quarter-finals once since 1983.
"Never say never," Dyche said, who reached the semi-finals as a player with Chesterfield in 1997. "I've been involved in a cup run myself that people didn't think would go to where it went to. Wigan, of course, a number of years ago, won the FA Cup (in 2013) - you don't want to put yourself in the bracket of 'never'.
"I think it's increasingly difficult because our bigger demand stays on the league and the Premier League means so much to the club, and the area as well, with the kudos attached to it.
"But on the other hand, the marvel of the cup, it's always been there, it still is and in my opinion it's still a fantastic competition."
