Sean Dyche plays down Derby County speculation

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has dismissed speculation linking him with Derby County, insisting he remains fully committed to helping Burnley avoid relegation.

Recent reports claimed Dyche has been lined up as a possible successor to Steve McClaren, who is the bookmakers' favourite to take over at Newcastle.

But Dyche was quick to squash the speculation and says he has no desire to leave the Clarets.

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"I think it's quite obvious, I am enjoying the challenge here. I am not looking further afield," the Burnley boss said. "I am enjoying the challenge here."

Dyche has retained the support of the Burnley fans throughout the season even though the club are now second from bottom with just seven matches to go.

Burnley host in-form Arsenal at the weekend with the Gunners looking to consolidate their hold on second place while the two teams directly below them meet in the Manchester derby.

Despite delivering three Premier League titles, Arsene Wenger has not always received the same unwavering support that Dyche enjoys and the Burnley manager admits he cannot comprehend why there were calls for the three-time Premier League winner to be sacked earlier in the season.

"They're a fine side, who keep progressing despite what people say," said Dyche, who took Burnley up last year after finishing second in the Sky Bet Championship.

"Arsene seems to get questioned, I don't know why, I think the job he's done is terrific.

"Of course, I'm aware fans would like to have won more trophies in recent years but, as a young manager aspiring to progress in the game, I look at people like him thinking 'you haven't done badly if you have a career like his'."

Dyche hopes Matt Taylor (Achilles), Ross Wallace (knee) and Steven Reid (calf) will be fit for the visit of the Gunners, who have won their last seven games in all competitions.