BEN Mee insists himself and James Tarkowski are focusing on performances for Burnley after reports they were both set for England call-ups.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has been a regular at Turf Moor since taking the England job and it has been reported that he is considering giving both Mee and Tarkowski a chance in the March friendlies.

It could be perfect timing for Burnley's defensive duo ahead of this summer's World Cup, but while stand-in skipper Mee admits international recognition remains an ambition, he knows performances for club will dictate whether he gets the call for country.

“We’d both like that, it’s an ambition, but we don’t take too much notice of what goes on, it either happens or it doesn’t," he said.

“It’s something we both want, and it’s a case of keep playing well, keep doing what we can, and if it doesn’t happen, keep playing well for your club and doing well, and seeing how far we can take this club forward.

“I believe I missed him (Southgate) the other night against Stoke, but he’s obviously been to see a few of us, and hopefully a couple can catch his eye."

Tarkowski hasn't had the chance to impress over the festive period thanks to his three-game ban for violent conduct, with the final match set to be served at Huddersfield today.

Kevin Long has come in to replace him and after a tough start against Tottenham he impressed in the 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.

“He’s had to be really patient, he’s been out on loan a few times, he’s managed to get into the Ireland squad on the back of playing last season, which has done him the world of good, a confidence boost," Mee said of Long's Turf Moor career.

“He came into the side for myself and two clean sheets is brilliant, he looked solid as a rock.

“It’s that team structure and him coming in and working hard in training every day, being able to roll out performances is credit to him."

Long has come in for Mee and Tarkowski now this season with no noticeable effect on performances, which Mee puts down to work on the training ground.

“We all know our jobs and go out with a good framework - massive credit to the work we do on the training ground," he said.

“We all work as hard in training as we do on match day, it’s about automaticty, you just go out there and do it, and that’s become a real thing for us, we can just go out and have clear minds and play as well as we do."