Danny Ings backed by Burnley boss Sean Dyche ahead of Liverpool clash
Tuesday 3 March 2015 09:31, UK
Burnley manager Sean Dyche insists striker Danny Ings will not be fazed about facing Liverpool on Wednesday night.
The Clarets forward, who has scored nine goals so far this season, has been linked with a move to Anfield and Dyche is growing tired of being asked about when his prize asset will leave Turf Moor.
He said: "Are we back on Danny Ings? I cannot believe it, was that one week's good grace? Incredible.
"His determination has been there for all to see, putting in good performances. He has had the one quiet one and other than that he has been very, very good with his performance level and very good around the group.
"He wants to do well for this football club. The rest will take care of itself."
Dyche says everyone expects Liverpool to roll over his side but he claims that can work in his club's favour with the weight of expectation firmly on Brendan Rodgers' side.
He added: “The weight of expectation is on who we’re playing against because it’s Liverpool. All the world is thinking they’ll win but it’s not that easy. We know what a good side they are.
“They’ve spent a lot of money on players and it’s taken a while to come together but since Christmas, you can see that’s started to happen.
"We have great growth in our side, I'm convinced of that, with the way the players have moved forwards since the beginning of the season when we were heavily questioned and this is another great challenge.
"This is the challenge we wanted, we grasp it and we want to run with it, take it on, deliver performances and win games. The focus is quite clear from me and my group."
While Ings, holder of seven England Under-21 caps, has netted five times in his last eight league games, Philippe Coutinho has been the man catching the eye of late for Liverpool, scoring stunning goals in each of his past two appearances.
The Brazil playmaker has been touted by his club manager Rodgers as a contender for the player of the season prizes, and Dyche has no doubt Coutinho is "up there" with the stand-out performers of 2015 so far.
"There are some very highly talented players out there and Coutinho is developing into one of many in the Premier League who I think are absolutely top class," Dyche said.
"We have played against so many good players this season. (Manchester United winger) Angel Di Maria made his debut against us after being brought in for £60million - more than this club's ever spent in its whole history, on one player."