BURNLEY'S FA Cup run is helping the Clarets fringe stars be ready to step in to the Premier League side.

That is the view of James Tarkowski, an ever present in Burnley's run to the fifth round, having played both Sunderland ties at centre back and then completed 90 minutes against Bristol City in midfield.

Sean Dyche has shuffled the pack for all three cup games so far, making six changes for the trip to the Stadium of Light on third round day, then seven chances for the replay and eight for the fourth round victory over the Robins.

Despite the changes Burnley have continued to impress on cup duty and it has given the likes of Nick Pope, Tendayi Darikwa, Jon Flanagan and others, as well as Tarkowski, the chance to get valuable minutes under their belt.

Former Brentford defender Tarkowski has come off the bench 12 times in the league this season, most recently in the win over Leicester City last week, and he thinks he is sharper as a sub after getting match action in the cup this season.

"We train hard, if you’re always quite fit it’s ok," Tarkowski said of stepping into games. "It’s just getting used to be back at a stadium in front of fans and playing.

"It’s okay coming on for 10 or 15 minutes but that can be a style of game when the tempo is high and everyone is on it, it can be hard to get used to, so games like this can really help."

The strength of mind of Dyche's squad is also a valuable asset, according to Tarkowski, which has helped the players who have featured in the FA Cup maintain high standards.

"I think we’ve got a very strong group," he said. "Everyone is doing their job correctly and it’s very professional. That’s a big part of why we’ve been so successful recently.

"Everyone who comes here plays with the right of attitude and it’s part of the reason we get the performances we do week in and week out. We get solid performances every week."

Tarkowski was on the bench again for Saturday's league trip to Watford and is likely to be amongst the subs for Sunday's clash with leaders Chelsea.

But he should return to the starting line-up for the FA Cup fifth round tie with Lincoln City on Saturday, February 18, as the Clarets seek a quarter-final spot for the first time since 2002/03.

The 24-year-old, tried in midfield from the start against Bristol City after Dean Marney's injury, believes the strength in the squad is shining through in their cup exploits.

"We’ve got a good squad," he said.

"It’s disappointing losing Deano, he’s been a big part of what we’ve done this season, but we’ve got strength in depth, it’s not a huge squad but there’s quality throughout, you see it in games when you’ve got Popey in goal and we’ve had some brilliant performances from him, and he’s our third choice goalkeeper at the moment."