CLARETS reporter Tyrone Marshall discusses the talking points from Burnley's Europa League win over Istanbul Basaksehir.

ROTATION

With the Aberdeen game taking place during pre-season Sean Dyche fielded what were pretty much his strongest starting XIs in both fixtures.

But with the Premier League season now up and running his team selection for the second leg against Basaksehir gave an indication into the rotation likely during this European run, however long it may last.

Dyche made six changes from the side that started at Southampton and if he had the likes of Steven Defour, Robbie Brady and Matej Vydra fit, it would likely have been more.

It was a risky strategy and had it backfired there would have been grumblings from the fans, but Dyche has built admirable squad depth over recent seasons and it was on show at Turf Moor.

In particular three of the back four were changed but again the Clarets kept a clean sheet, with Kevin Long impressing as he continues to rise to every challenge laid before him.

EUROPEAN NIGHT

There’s been value for money on these European nights at Turf Moor this season. Both the second leg ties with Aberdeen and Istanbul Basaksehir have gone into extra-time and they have been nerve-shredding affairs.

Again it was a superb atmosphere at times on Thursday night, all the more impressive considering there were no away fans to add to the occasion.

That’s unlikely to be the case in two weeks time when Olympiakos visit and hopefully the game will again be in the balance going in to the second leg.

If it is it would be nice to see the ‘sold out’ signs hanging at Turf Moor. There were patches of empty seats against Istanbul Basaksehir.

Yes, it’s in the school holidays, but this was a proper European tie, with everything to play for, that wasn’t on TV and tickets were just £15 for adults. It was surprising that the home ends weren’t packed out, especially considering the sense of history in this European run.

NO ORDINARY JOE

Billy Mercer looks to be working his magic once again. Joe Hart arrived at Burnley after two difficult loan spells at Torino and West Ham, with plenty of people ready to write him off as yesterday’s man.

Less than three weeks into his time at Turf Moor and now, rather that being cast aside, the question is whether he’s back in the England reckoning.

Hart often saved his best for European nights as Manchester City. This is a goalkeeper described as a ‘phenomenon’ by Lionel Messi after one stunning Nou Camp display. He was at it again on Thursday night, making a string of saves to deny Basaksehir and the lively Edin Visca in particular.

In 300 minutes for Burnley Hart is yet to concede a goal for the club. Mercer’s magic is working again.

TOUGHING IT OUT

It hasn’t taken Burnley long to get the hang of two-leg knockout football.

This was a difficult night for the Clarets. Stick or twist? They’d got the result they wanted in Istanbul, but they were vulnerable to an away goal here. Concede first and they’d almost certainly be collecting their luggage and putting their passports away.

But Dyche’s side handled it well. They had difficult moments, the visitors had a strong spell in the final five minutes of the first half and then for the final half hour of normal time they looked to be by far the most likely winners.

However, as they’ve done so often in the Premier League, the Clarets hung in there and they got their reward through Jack Cork’s extra-time winner.

CAPTAIN WESTY

Steven Defour could have a fight on his hands to get back in this team.

Since the Belgian’s injury the diminutive Ashley Westwood has grown in stature and on Thursday night a string of fine performances saw him rewarded with the captain’s armband.

The 28-year-old looked to relish the responsibility. He was the orchestrator during Burnley’s bright opening, always looking for the ball and seeking to drive his side forward.

He also took responsibility with the corners and sent in some devilish deliveries which caused concern in the Basaksehir backline.

This was another fine night for Westwood.