MANAGER Sean Dyche believes he has enough quality in the Clarets camp to keep the squad competitive.

The Burnley boss has continually scoured the transfer market in order to strengthen numbers, and intends to maintain the search before the option to make emergency loan signings ceases on November 28, ahead of the January window.

Dyche’s difficulties were highlighted last week when target Connor Wickham opted to join Sheffield Wednesday.

The Clarets were believed to have earmarked the striker for a loan move from Sunderland, but the Black Cats raised concerns about how much game time their player would get given the form of Sam Vokes and Danny Ings, and looked elsewhere.

However, the bar is high in terms of the level of in-house competition at Turf Moor.

Fringe players have shown in the last two games that they are ready to step up and meet the challenge of maintaining the Clarets’ impressive form should injuries and suspensions take hold.

Dean Marney is hopeful of a return to action this weekend after a thigh strain sidelined him for the last two outings, against West Ham United in the Capital One Cup fourth round and at Millwall in the Championship on Saturday.

The 29-year-old’s central midfield partnership with summer signing David Jones has been a fulcrum to Burnley’s formidable start to the 2013/14 season.

But Canada international David Edgar stakes a claim for a starting place in proving a solid replacement for the former Hull City enforcer, while Keith Treacy showed a creative spark after coming back into the first team frame for the injured Scott Arfield, only to incur suspension for his late dismissal against the Hammers.

“It's a strange situation we find ourselves in, we've got a small squad but we need them to play and perform then we can use that small squad as wisely as we can, and he (Edgar) has got another game under his belt,” said Dyche.

“If you have got a small squad as long as they can compete and there are a group of players who we think can deliver performances that's one of the key things. We think there are. We're still looking to enhance the group as best we can.

“There are a few options we've looked at but yet again it all has to tally up.

“It's not an easy situation, there are many factors that have to tally up and there are only so many players out there.”

But while Dyche would prefer strength in numbers, he is pleased with the squad as it stand, after welcoming Arfield back at The Den, and Jones from suspension, while Michael Kightly returned to the line-up after being rested in midweek.

“They hardly trained last week and that's a situation we find ourselves in with the numbers where we're having to really protect the group,” said the Burnley boss.

“With the free week then going into the international yet again it will suit us we can rest them and make sure any knocks are recovered.”

Of Marney’s absence, and the chances of a comeback for the visit of Bournemouth and former boss Eddie Howe this weekend, Dyche said: “He wasn't right, we couldn't risk him.

“He's got another week's recovery and then the international break so we hope it settles down quickly.”