MICHAEL Keane believes more time on the ball in the Premier League will suit his style as he targets keeping the Clarets in the top flight this year.

The 23-year-old had the most productive season of his career in terms of appearances last year, playing 44 of Burnley’s Championship fixtures as they swept their way to the league title.

He admits he learnt plenty from a year in the Championship, but is happy to be back at the highest level and keen to show his Premier League class, particularly when in possession, something which he thinks suits his game.

“I learned a lot in the Championship. It’s a brutal league,” said the former Manchester United youngster.

“You come up against tough strikers who are very physical.

“It’s a bit different because I feel you get a bit more time on the ball here and we’re able to show our qualities on the ball a bit more. I feel it suits my game well and I just want to prove that.”

Keane played 21 times for Burnley in the Premier League in 2014/15, initially joining on loan from United before making that move permanent.

But towards the end of the campaign he saw Michael Duff, 15 years his senior, come in to partner captain Jason Shackell at the back.

Keane, who has been the subject of a failed £15million bid from Leicester City this summer, felt he was ready for the Premier League in that campaign, but understood the manager’s decision to opt for greater experience.

Now he wants to feature in every game this season and end it with keeping the Clarets in the top flight, having revealed earlier this week that he was happy at Turf Moor despite interest from the Premier League champions.

“I feel like last time in the Premier League I proved that I was good enough but I was young then and the gaffer opted for some experience in the games which is understandable,” Keane said of that 14/15 season.

“I’m a lot more experienced now and hopefully I can stay fit and play every game this year. That’s the aim. I want to do well and keep this club up.

“We feel like we belong here in the Premier League and I think we proved that (against Swansea). We’re good enough to get results.”