SEAN Dyche is urging Championship leaders Burnley to be ready to roar when he returns to the Lions’ Den.

The Clarets boss boasts a proud record against old club Millwall.

In 12 meetings as player, coach and manager since the former defender was released from his contract at Millwall in 2002 Dyche has won 11 and drawn one, including last season’s 2-0 win in the capital with the Clarets.

But the Burnley boss insists his focus is on preserving the Clarets’ place at the top of the table over extending his own unbeaten run, although the two would go hand in hand tomorrow.

“Winning anywhere is something I’d look to do whether it was Millwall or anywhere, so that’s my main focus,” said Dyche, who won the Second Division title with Millwall and reached the First Division play-offs the following year.

“The emphasis I put on it is records are there for a reason, it means we’ve delivered good performances whatever team I’ve been at since I left there.

“The reality is that can be looked at – we all look at stats and facts – but when the whistle blows is when it counts.

“That’s always my way of thinking and it always has been.

“I have got a good record there since I left but that doesn’t count for anything if the team’s not ready to go and win on Saturday.”

Millwall have recovered from a slow start to the season to stay unbeaten in five of their last seven games, with home wins over Blackpool and Leeds included, while they earned a late point against QPR in their last game at The Den.

“It is a tough league and there are many variables, different results and ups and downs that happen during the Championship season,” said Dyche.

“Millwall are a side who after a tough start have settled things down and had some good results, but we’re in fine form ourselves.”

The Den is regarded as one of football’s most feared grounds, but Dyche added: “I don’t think Millwall’s any different to going away from home anywhere in the Championship.

“We know there’s a big ask at every ground we go to.

“It’s probably different for me because I played there and have an inside view of it so I probably don’t over-think it. Maybe some do.

“But every ground you go to in the Championship is tough, even at home you’ve still got a team out there who are trying to beat you.”

Of his return, Dyche said: “I don’t look forward to it any more than any other game, I never have done, I never get involved in that.

“I had a very good time there and enjoyed it thoroughly but I’m the manager at Burnley so it’s just another game, another important game, another chance to play well, another chance to win and another chance to get three points.”

Keith Treacy serves a one-match ban following his stoppage time dismissal against West Ham on Tuesday, but David Jones is available after suspension.

Dean Marney and Scott Arfield are both battling to be fit to return to the squad following minor muscle strains.

Meanwhile, Burnley have been linked with a loan move for Connor Wickham but Sunderland are believed to be seeking assurances about how much he would play given the 21-goal partnership of Sam Vokes and Danny Ings.