BURNLEY defender Michael Duff admits he is desperate to face the Premier League’s top strikers every week after tasting life in the big time.
Seven days on, the Clarets defender is still revelling in his side’s sensational Carling Cup victory over Chelsea, where Duff converted the decisive spot-kick before Brian Jensen saved John Obi Mikel’s penalty.
Having seen off the Premier League leaders, the Clarets now face further top-flight opposition in the shape of Arsenal at the quarter-final stage.
But while the Carling Cup sees Duff enjoy an occasional outing against the country’s top clubs, the Northern Ireland international is keen to help steer Burnley to promotion and ensure facing the best strikers every week.
He performed heroically against Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge and two years ago, shackled Valencia maestro David Villa in Northern Ireland’s famous 3-2 win over Spain at Windsor Park, but now he wants more of the same - along with the rest of his Clarets team-mates.
“The game against Chelsea last week gave us a bit of a taster of what the Premier League is like,” said Duff.
“Before the game, we talked about going on and what it could be like if we were in the Premier League.
“The target for the club is to be playing teams like Chelsea in full stadiums, week in and week out.
“It’s what everyone at the club wants, it’s what we are working hard to achieve and we’re well placed at the minute.
“We’re fourth in the table and have been on a good run.
“Beating Queens Park Rangers on Saturday was a big win for us because a lot of people were questioning us and asking could we follow up the win against Chelsea.
“We did it and hopefully we can slip in under the radar without anyone talking about us too much and make it to the Premier League.”
Duff added: “For me personally, it was good to go up against Didier Drogba.
“He is big, strong and mobile and he is definitely up there with the best strikers I have played against with Northern Ireland."
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