KEVIN Long has urged Burnley to use the positives of a strong second-half cup performance at Southampton to keep them riding high in the Championship.

Defender Long scored his first goal for the Clarets to give the Saints a scare late on but Southampton saw out a 4-3 win in the end.

But Long believes Burnley gave a good enough account of themselves against top-flight opposition to show they’re worthy of a promotion challenge.

“We scored three second half goals away to a Premier League club. We’ve got to take confidence from that and go into the game at Yeovil and hopefully get a win there.

“We’re up there near the top so we need to just keep winning games, take each game as it comes and see where it takes us,” said the Irishman, who feels the cup tie can be a valuable learning curve for himself and the team.

“When I found out I was in the team I was really looking forward to playing against them and testing myself. I really enjoyed it.

“I thought we started the game quite well but when they scored the first goal we seemed to step off for some reason. We showed them a bit too much respect.

“But we turned them in the second half and got in their faces and I thought we played really well.

“We showed them what we were all about, creating chances and we were unlucky in the end probably not to get the equaliser.

“We gave it a right good go.”

Despite their cup exit, there was personal pride for Long as he grabbed his first goal for the club.

“My last goal was probably with Accrington Stanley about three years ago. I haven’t scored in a while.

“When I scored I thought if we get another chance that’s the equaliser, but it wasn’t to be sadly."

Long started the season in the side but lost his place to experienced centre half Michael Duff.

The door re-opened for the young Irishman when answer Dyche opted to rest Duff, and Long hopes to have made a positive impression on his return.

“It’s been really difficult because Duffo's come in and formed a really good partnership with Shacks. I just need to bide my time and keep working hard on the training ground.

“I just have to keep working hard on the training grind and hoping that will be enough to get me in the team. When I get my chance hopefully I can do all right.”