JEFF Hendrick believes Burnley’s fitness levels can help them compete in the Premier League, admitting the intense Gawthorpe training sessions have lived up to his expectations.

The 24-year-old club record signing revealed he had been told to expect some tough work-outs under Sean Dyche and having experienced nearly two weeks worth of training since his £10million move he is expecting to see an improvement in his own fitness in a Claret shirt.

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The Republic of Ireland international made his first start for the club in the 3-0 defeat at Leicester City on Saturday, and although that result didn’t go Burnley’s way, Hendrick believes their fitness levels could help, especially against the top sides.

“Going to the Premier League you’re going to be playing against a lot of good teams like Manchester City and Manchester United who are going to be possession-based at times and you’re going to have to work hard and be good in possession because if not those teams have the players who can punish you,” Hendrick said.

“I think teams who are going up know they are probably not going to dominate possession.

“I think the last team to do that was Swansea. But not many other teams who go up do that. It’s going to be hard work and you’ve got to make sure you’re fit and ready for it.”

The Clarets have developed a reputation for out-running teams under Dyche, something they achieved on a regular basis in the Premier League campaign of two years ago.

Hendrick was told of the tough nature of training before his arrival, having spoken to the likes of Jason Shackell, Chris Baird and John Eustace, who have all worked with Dyche previously, and he hasn’t been disappointed.

“It’s been hard work. I was told it would be hard work in training. That’s definitely lived up to my expectations,” he said.

“But I’ve enjoyed it and I know I’m going to get fitter here. I’m going to have to work hard.

“The manager makes sure everyone works hard, training is intense but it’s enjoyable at the same time.

“There’s a good group of players. They fight until the end. Previously playing against Burnley it was always a tough game and you had to be at the top of your game to win it.

“Hopefully we can continue that this year.”

Last week Dyche spoke positively about how Hendrick had slotted into the group.

The Burnley boss is protective of the team spirit that has been fostered in his Turf Moor squad since he took charge in October 2012, and Hendrick has been impressed with the close-knit nature of the side.

“I don’t know who it was set by but every lad who is here is good, honest and genuine, likes to have a laugh at the right times but still work hard,” he said.

“The lads are old enough and mature enough to know when to have a bit of fun and when to work hard.”