Sean Dyche welcomed Gareth Southgate’s new England contract – and continued recognition for his Burnley players.
James Tarkowski was again named in the national squad for the Nations League games against Croatia and Spain on October 12 and 15 respectively.
Prior to the squad announcement, the Football Association revealed Southgate has signed a new deal through to 2022, and Burnley boss Dyche said: “Fantastic, I’m a big fan of what he’s looking to achieve.
“I have a small understanding of what it’s like to be a manager at the best level but not international level; I can only imagine it ramps up again and I think he handles it fantastically well.
“And he seems to be making his own pathway with what he’s doing with the players and bringing in younger players, and I think certainly in the World Cup the country bought into that.
“For lots of good reasons I think he’s certainly deserving of a contract that keeps him there and keeps him doing what he’s doing.”
Southgate has been a regular at Turf Moor over the past two years, with Tarkowski, Jack Cork, Tom Heaton, Nick Pope and Michael Keane all receiving call-ups while wearing the Burnley shirt.
Whether Tarkowski actually takes up his place in the squad remains to be seen. The centre-back was forced off by a groin problem during last weekend’s victory over Cardiff and is touch and go for Saturday’s clash with Huddersfield.
Dyche said: “Gareth is aware and his staff are aware. He’s just had a minor situation and we’re hoping it settles down. He’s not definitely clear. I think Gareth wants to make it clear he’s one that he thinks of and we’ll wait and see. He’s been on the grass today but we’re just keeping an eye on him.”
There was no place in the squad, though, for in-form goalkeeper Joe Hart, who has been rejuvenated since joining the Clarets this summer.
Southgate insisted at a press conference that Hart is still in his thoughts but the focus for this round of fixtures is on younger players.
Dyche said of his keeper: “I think he’s enjoying it, he bought into the challenge, which I made clear to him he’d have to with the good goalkeepers that we’ve got here.
“Joe’s obviously got the shirt at the moment and he’s playing well. He’s added to the resilient nature of the team by pulling off some really important saves at the right time.
“He’s mature enough to know his thoughts on where he’s at. I don’t think he’s questioned anything other than getting on with it. The rest of it will take care of itself in due course and, if it’s international, that’s for Gareth to decide.”
Burnley will definitely be without winger Robbie Brady, who has suffered another small setback in his recovery from knee and then hamstring trouble, for Saturday while midfielder Steven Defour is dealing with a personal matter.
Defending Ben Gibson, meanwhile, remains on track for a return after the international break following hernia surgery.
