No break needed - Dyche

The club-versus-country debate over the merits of playing in the European Under-21 Championship - this year to be played in the Czech Republic - is a recurring one but Dyche does not think Ings needs a break.

Ings has caught the eye in the Barclays Premier League this season, scoring nine times for the relegation-battling Clarets.

Dyche, speaking at a press conference, said: "Breaks at 22? In my holidays I used to go out in a field and play football when I was 17, 18, 19, 20, a bit of five-a-side with my mates.

"I don't over-think the idea of having these long breaks. I think they'll be all right at 22.

"I am sure these people are educated and savvy enough with sports science etc to make sure these players have some downtime before they go into any tournament or event, and look at it wisely. I trust in the professionalism of the national team as well as our own."

The Under-21 issue has resurfaced lately following Tom Ince's decision to make himself unavailable and Harry Kane's elevation to the senior side.

Each case may be different, with one a club-based matter the other concerning the importance of the Under-21 team in relation to the senior side - but both could weaken Gareth Southgate's Under-21 side this summer.

In the case of Ings, Dyche believes the event could be hugely beneficial.

He said: "I think it is just the experience of it, playing different styles of football and I think it is about being around other young players, other talented players, different voices, different styles, different analysis techniques.

"We hope they learn from us, of course, but this is also for them to learn as a player, to become more rounded individuals as players."

Kane has made an immediate impact with the England senior team as he scored on debut last week but has expressed a desire to still play for the Under-21s.

Whether he does or not remains to be seen, as the 21-year-old Tottenham striker's star continues to rise.

Kane has been outstanding after breaking into the Spurs side this season and has found the net 30 times for club and country.

His breakthrough campaign has come after loan stints of varying success at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich and Leicester in previous seasons.

Had things turned out differently he might even have ended up at Burnley - Spurs' opponents on Sunday - for one of those spells.

Dyche said: "I think he's been a player most people would have looked at when he wasn't in the side at Tottenham.

"But he's a good reflection of when us as managers speak about players going on loan, because loans don't always have to be the glory loan. He's had his ups and downs on loan but that can be a massive part of a young player's development.

"It can be that kind of process and you have to stick at it as a young professional."

When asked directly if he tried to sign Kane on loan, Dyche was cryptic.

"We didn't try to bring him here, other than the fact we tried to bring him here," he said.

Burnley have received praise this season for having a largely British squad.

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke this week reiterated his fears for the future strength of the England team because of the high number of foreign players in the Premier League.

Dyche said: "There isn't an exact science, the way the FA are trying to take of grip of it is to try to crunch it down to a better chance of elite young players coming through the system.

"They are searching hard to find the best solution and the best way, I believe, is playing in the Premier League. The earlier they can play and get that experience is the best learning curve."