KIERAN Trippier believes he is on the brink of his best season.

The Clarets right back was voted into the PFA Championship team of the year by his peers last season, 12 months after pipping Jay Rodriguez to the club’s player of the year prize.

But Trippier admitted he wasn’t entirely satisfied with his overall performance in 2012/13, particularly what he felt was a sluggish start.

The Manchester City academy graduate blamed himself for taking too much time-out that summer.

But, after overcoming a summer hamstring strain to complete his first 90 minutes in the 4-1 win over Sparta Rotterdam in Saturday’s final friendly, he insists he is ready to hit the ground running this year.

“I did really well in my first season at Burnley. I think everyone was wondering whether it was just a one-off season and whether I could do well again,” said Trippier.

“In the first few games I just wasn’t myself.

“I felt like I was overweight and that got to me a bit.

“When the new manager came in he recognised what was wrong.

“This season I can feel myself flying already.

“I’ve come back fit and healthy and not fat, like I was last year.

“I was kicking myself about that.

“I’ve done well for myself and my body this summer, I’ve treated it well.

“I just wasn’t myself last year.

“I went on a lot of holidays and I realise that.

“But I didn’t feel like I was playing well.

“It got to about Christmas-time and I sat down with my mum and my agent and they told me straight.

“I thought I picked up after that and I thought I did well.

“This season is going to be even better for me I think.

“The fans and the manager are going to see the best of me."

Trippier spent time with a personal trainer during the closed season, but also credits manager Sean Dyche’s tough pre-season training programmes for the improvements in his fitness.

“This pre-season has been one of the toughest pre-seasons that I’ve ever done, said the 23-year-old.

“I already feel fitter than I’ve ever been.

“It’s the first pre-season that manager’s had with us, he’s done his thing and everyone’s looking forward to the season.

“Everyone’s looking fit and sharp and can’t wait for the first game against Bolton."

Trippier added that retaining his place in the PFA team of the year offered another incentive to hit top form.

“I want to get it again and do the best I can and go another step further," he said.