Phil Bardsley says he did not join Burnley to sit on the bench and is determined to fight his way into the first team.

Bardsley arrived from Stoke City in a £750,000 deal in the summer but has struggled to force his way into the side, with boss Sean Dyche opting to go with Matt Lowton as his regular right-back.

However, the 32-year-old was handed his first start against Leeds in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night and responded in fine style by winning the man-of-the-match award.

The former Manchester United man has set his sights on becoming Burnley’s regular number one right-back.

“That’s what we’re here for; we’re here to play football. I didn’t sign to sit on the bench for two years. I’ll be looking to carry on and hopefully get into the team,” said Bardsley.

“I’m here to play football, you do your best and the manager has got a decision to make on picking the team, that’s why he’s the manager. It’s never easy but if we’ve got players pushing each other week in, week out then it will get the best out of each other and the team.”