Thursday 2 November 2017 15:45, UK
Sean Dyche says he is fully focused on his job at Burnley ahead of what he predicts will be a testing trip to Southampton on Saturday.
The Clarets' 1-0 victory over Newcastle on Monday night moved Dyche's side up to seventh on his fifth anniversary as manager increasing talk of a possible switch to take over the Goodison Park hotseat.
Jeff Hendrick's 74th-minute winner secured a third 1-0 league victory of the campaign but the English boss poured cold water again on an imminent Merseyside switch.
"The players have just got on with their jobs, despite all the speculation. They are professional," Dyche said on the speculation surrounding Turf Moor.
"I just keep getting on with my job. Same as I was last week. When you [the media] asked me. Same as I was the week before."
Southampton are 10th in the Premier League table, three points behind weekend opponents Burnley, and Dyche warned: "They look a good side to me.
"I've actually seen them a few times. Once live against Stoke. They look a good side and have done for the past few years.
"The calming down of that [Virgil] van Dyke situation. He's back playing and a very good player he is.
"[But] we've slightly of morphed into something different away from home so far this season. It's important we remember that and reflect upon the performances we've had so far away.
"Sort of use some of that experience to come into this game, another tough Premier League game quite obviously but we're in good shape."
Dyche admitted he had been delighted with the good start to the campaign by his side.
"It is early on, well relatively early [in the season]," he said. "I've spoken many times. We don't think we're the real deal but equally I've said I think we're moving forwards and I think we are.
"The games are tight but we've come out the right side when we've needed to and got the points when we've needed to. [In] very tough games, as they all are. So very pleasing overall."