Dyche: Barton was ‘excellent’

Burnley boss Sean Dyche hailed Joey Barton’s “thirst to be successful” after the midfielder’s early deflected free-kick at Preston sent Burnley back to the Sky Bet Championship summit.

The Clarets extended their unbeaten streak to 21 league games and positioned themselves above Middlesbrough and three points in front of Brighton with a 1-0 win over their Lancashire rivals at Deepdale.

Midfielder Barton’s set-piece after six minutes was diverted beyond North End goalkeeper Chris Kirkland via Alan Browne’s head during an opening half-hour when the Clarets ran their neighbours ragged and forced Simon Grayson to abandon his 3-5-2 formation.

Although he had a helping hand in the goal, Barton was a commanding presence in the middle of the visitors’ midfield in another performance which suggested his free signing back in August was the best piece of business done in the division this season.

The 33-year-old has played at the top level with Manchester City, …

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