SEAN Dyche believes that testimonial star Michael Duff still has the ‘eye of the tiger’ and can play a big part in Burnley’s new campaign.

Duff celebrated his testimonial with a match against Bradford City on Saturday, which the Clarets won 2-0.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The central defender is now 37 years old, but was a regular in the starting line-up for large parts of last season – fending off competition from Michael Keane.

Dyche is offering Duff no guarantees over a place in the team this season, but is certain that the veteran still has the hunger to make a major contribution.

“He’s been fantastic for the club and he still remains there, he’s still ready, he’s still fit, he still wants to be picked,” the manager said.

“When he’s got that desire he’s another great warrior for us.

“If you remain with that eye of the tiger you can keep playing because that’s the key thing later on in life.

“The fire burns less bright but he’s certainly got fire – he wants to be involved, wants to play.

“I had a good chat with him in the summer about what he thought next. He said, ‘I’m going to work really hard, I want to be part of your plans’.

“Everyone knows he’s played under me. That doesn’t guarantee that, he knows that.

“The challenge only gets harder when you get older because there’s always someone knocking on the door.

“We want that challenge from Keano, Longy had a setback but we want that challenge from him, Ben Mee can play there.

“There are different ways we can look at it, but he’s been a big part and we want him to be a big part.”

While Duff will be attempt to fend off competition from younger defenders, Dyche thinks he is an inspiration to those still learning their trade.

“I’d imagine there’s admiration for how he looks after himself, how he conducts himself and how he trains, wants to train and wants to stay sharp,” Dyche said.

“That’s good for us because there’s an older and very wise player who can rub off at times.”