Dwight McNeil is relishing the challenge of building on a breakthrough season with Burnley. 

The teenager has arguably been the success story of the Clarets’ season, finishing the campaign with three goals in 25 appearances in all competitions. 

The 19-year-old will head into next season as one the players to watch at Turf Moor but knows that kicking on will be easier said than done. 

There will be more expectation on his shoulders and likely increased competition once Sean Dyche has completed his summer shopping. 

“We’ve got a very good team and it’s all about competition and keeping your spot,” the England Under 20 international said. 

“It’s a great bunch of lads and they’ve been fantastic again this season.

“Hopefully I can just keep playing, that’s the main thing. 

“I’ll just try and let my ability take over and just keep doing what I’m doing. 

“It would be great to be a part of things again next season.” 

McNeil started the final-day defeat to Arsenal 12 months on from coming on for his debut for the final few minutes of the last game of the previous season against Bournemouth, a 2-1 reverse.

“A year ago I’d just come off the bench for a couple of minutes,” he said. 

“For the first half of the season I was back in the Under-23s but I got my chance against West Ham and I think I’ve taken it well.

“It’s a dream come true but I just want to keep pushing forward and working hard and hopefully progressing as a player.”

The summer break will see Burnley return to relative normality with no Europa League campaign to prepare for. 

The first foray into Europe for 50 years saw the Clarets start their competitive games in July last year which ultimately had a detrimental impact on their Premier League form in the first-half of the season. 

“I’ll enjoy some time off this summer and then come back ready to go,” said McNeil. 

“The Europa League was new to us last year and a new experience for everyone. 

“This season we know what we’ll be doing in pre-season and hopefully we can start the season strongly.”