Burnley defender Tendayi Darikwa relishing competition for place

Lowton became Burnley manager Sean Dyche’s first summer signing in a £1million-plus move from Aston Villa following the departure of Kieran Trippier to Tottenham Hotspur.

But it was Darikwa, another summer acquisition, that started the season after Lowton suffered a shin injury in the pre-season friendly success at Fleetwood Town.

The former Chesterfield man has seized his chance, combining dynamic runs down the right with solid defending.

But asked if he could feel Lowton breathing down his neck, Darikwa, who scored his first Burnley goal in the weekend defeat to Reading, said: “Of course he is.

“He’s training every day and training is competitive.

“I think competition for places brings out the best in players, certainly for myself.

“I know that if I’m having bad games and training poorly that Lowts is ready to play so I’ve just got to worry about myself and try to keep improving.

“I signed pretty late in pre-season so to go straight into the team is beyond my imagination. But I said before that I’ve come to the football club to play games and nothing’s changed there.

“I’m enjoying my football at the moment. I’m just trying to improve every day working with the coaches and the rest of my team-mates.

“Lowts is fit and is a very good player but I’ve just got to worry about myself. Hopefully I can keep progressing and if I can stay in the team that’s the main thing for me.”

It is a case of so far, so good for Darikwa, who is pleased with his contribution to the team and in turn the rapport he is building with the fans.

“Defensively I think my game has improved working with the manager and the coaches here and hopefully I can continue to improve,” he added.

“That’s what I want to do.

“The fans have been great from the first day I signed.

“I played the last pre-season friendly against Bradford and ever since then they’ve taken to me really well and that’s obviously pleasing for me on a personal note.”