Experienced defender Michael Duff believes improving Burnley can survive

Duff is seen as the Clarets elder statesman but this is only his second year in the top-flight, having experienced Burnley’s last season in the Premier League five years ago.

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“I’m no different to anyone else, it’s only my second year at this level so I’m learning as well, and it’s a tough school,” said the 37-year-old, who was recently awarded a testimonial to mark 11 years of service.

“You learn your lessons the hard way, by getting beat. Hopefully we take something from it, which the gaffer does.

“We dissect games, the good bits and bad bits, and it’s all part of the learning process, and hopefully we can put it all towards the last eight games and hopefully stay up.”

Duff regained his place in Sean Dyche’s starting XI for the memorable win over champions Manchester City, having spent four months on the sidelines while Michael Keane took his place.

Now he is back in the side the former Cheltenham defender, a £30,000 signing for the Clarets in 2004, is determined to enjoy the final eight games of the Premier League campaign.

“We are in a tough run of games, not that there are any easy games, but that’s what we wanted last year,” he said.

“No-one is moaning about it.

“Ultimately we’ve given ourselves a chance with the win over Manchester City, it dragged a few in and nobody expected us to beat them.

“That is why the supporters were so good as well, because they could see that’s what we do every week, we work hard, and the next eight games will be no different.”

In Duff’s previous taste of the Premier League five years ago Burnley took just seven points from the final 14 games as they went down with a total of 30 points.

But the Northern Ireland international is convinced the Clarets can last the course this time around.

“I think, with the make-up of the side, we’re just not going to go away, we are that annoying little dog which won’t go away,” he added. “Hopefully we can see it through.”