Scott Parker has enjoyed his first pre-season with the Burnley squad – but insists there is nothing quite like league football.

The former Fulham and Bournemouth boss has been getting used to life at Turf Moor since succeeding Vincent Kompany in the hot seat.

Parker believes it has been a productive few weeks for the group and is now targeting a strong start against Luton, who were also playing Premier League football last season.

“It is very unique, I don’t think you can replicate a competitive game,” he told a press conference.

“Pre-season games give you a marker of where you are but there is nothing like a full house with fans in stadiums and that competitive edge, searching for three points.

“You get a real sense of where you are. I have an idea, of course, but pre-season games are about managing minutes and getting players up to speed.

“The jump going into competitive games is big and we need to be ready. We are looking forward to it.”

The transfer window remains open until the end of the month and there has been speculation over further movement, with several players reportedly attracting interest from the top flight.

The boss admits it is not ideal but is fully focused on the job at hand as the Clarets head to Kenilworth Road.

“There are obviously challenges with that because you are a bit in the unknown in terms of outgoings and incomings,” he added.

“But I am always one to focus on the here and now. The most important thing is a tough game at the start of the season against Luton, which we need to have full focus on.

“Of course, it is challenging when the transfer window is a bit further down the line but we are fully focused on how we can go there and be the best versions of ourselves to get a result.”

Samuel Bastien recently exited Turf Moor to play in the Netherlands, while Darko Churlinov has headed out on another loan.

Burnley still have a big squad heading into the new season and Parker admits more players could depart in search of regular minutes, although everyone will have an “opportunity to fight” for their spot.

“We have a big squad at this moment in time and with a new manager coming in, every player has that opportunity to impress,” he explained.

“There are some players who have departed who needed to go and play some football, and that could be the case moving forward as well.

“But every player here has an opportunity to fight to get into the team, impress me and do the job for himself.”