JIMMY Dunne took the opportunity of a week with the Clarets first team in Ireland to pick the brains of the senior centre backs at Turf Moor.

The 20-year-old said the week in Cork had been 'so valuable' to him as he trained alongside Ben Mee, James Tarkowski and Kevin Long.

Dunne capped the week off with the only goal of Friday's friendly against Cork City, in front of his watching mum and sister, and said he had benefited from his first pre-season trip with Sean Dyche's first team.

"I’ve had the opportunity to learn off the older players, the defenders especially, Tarks, Ben and Longy, they’re where I want to get to," said Dunne.

"I’ve had the opportunity to ask loads of questions and find out what they get up to during training.

"A week like that with that standard of player is so valuable for a 20-year-old. If you want to get to that level you have to be around those types of players.

"It’s really difficult, because they’re top, top performers who are playing in the Premier League every week, but if I want to get there then that’s the type of people I need to be around."

Dunne trained with the side throughout the week at Fota Island before playing the second half of the friendly at Turner's Cross.

But the Irishman did as much learning off the pitch as on it in Cork.

"If anything it’s more about what they do off the pitch. Once you get on the pitch it’s a case of work as hard as you can and stay concentrated," he said.

"Off the pitch it was simple things like looking what they had for breakfast, what time they go to bed, what type of mentality they have."

Dunne was one of five youngsters who travelled to Ireland with the senior set-up, alongside Conor Mitchell, Aiden O'Neill, Dwight McNeil and Dan Agyei.

For all of them it was a chance to impress Dyche, especially for Dunne with the Clarets still only carrying three senior central defenders.

"It’s an opportunity, we’re under his eyes every day and we had the game as well, which was another opportunity," he added.

"He’s watching everyone, so it’s a big opportunity for the young lads who haven’t been here before."

While Ireland internationals Kevin Long, Stephen Ward, Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady and Jon Walters were the star attractions in Cork, Dunne is the sixth Irishman in Burnley's squad.

But while having them around is a help for the defender, he admits he's just as big a fan as those waiting for autographs and selfies.

"It's really helpful having them there, because I can talk to them and they’ve taken very similar steps in their past to what I’m taking now," said Dunne.

"I can see myself going in that direction by following their guidance.

"They’re superstars back home and everybody wants to see them and get a picture with them. As much as I’m training and playing with them I look up to them as much as the fans do."