DANNY Ings might have spent Burnley’s free weekend in Spain talking terms with Real Sociedad over a possible La Liga move, but boss Sean Dyche has no concerns about his striker’s focus now he is back in Claret.

Dyche made light of the 22-year-old’s weekend away when asked about it and has no issues with his decision to speak to the Basque Country club.

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“You know the hats and the donkeys you used to get back in the 70s, which my folks used to bring back and tell me they were fantastic - he brought me one of them, which I thought was a nice gesture,” the Burnley manager said.

With Ings out of contract in the summer he is now considering a switch to Sociedad or whether to stay in the Premier League, with Liverpool leading the race to sign him.

Despite having a big decision to make on his future, Dyche said Ings had been ‘terrific’ in training this week and was looking forward to tomorrow’s trip to Stamford Bridge to face league leaders Chelsea.

“There is no concern from me,” said Dyche. “I have said all along, his performances make it quite obvious he is enjoying his football. I have no reason to doubt his thoughts about Burnley Football Club and what we’re doing. You can tell that by his performances.

“He has been terrific all week in training and certainly looks ready to play. It’s just the reality of the business.

“He looks relaxed. One of the biggest things I have said to him for the last two years I have been here, other than tactical pointers, is smile and enjoy your football and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t do that.

“That’s when he’s at his best I feel and I think he’s doing that now.”

Ings has nine Premier League goals to his name this season, including four in his last five games, leading to speculation he could feature in Roy Hodgson’s England squad next month for the European Championship qualifier against Lithuania and the friendly with Italy.

A cap while in a Burnley shirt would certainly boost the tribunal fee should Ings decide to move to a domestic rival, and his manager believes he is in contention to make the squad.

“Danny has certainly put himself on the map,” said Dyche. “His progress in the Premier League shows that. I can only imagine that the powers-that-be in the England set-up will take that seriously.

“I think he is a valuable player in the future for England and I would imagine they are at least keeping tabs on what Danny is doing at full international level. I know Gareth (Southgate) does. He speaks to me and goes to watch him and I think his messages to the top will be that he should certainly be considered.”

England Under-21 coach Southgate yesterday praised Ings and said there was plenty of striking talent coming through, with his side facing the Czech Republic and Germany next month.

Ings has played with Saido Berahino and Harry Kane for the Young Lions, while Patrick Bamford and Callum Wilson are scoring goals in the Championship and are also eligible for the U21s, with the European Championships taking place in the Czech Republic this summer.

“We’re very fortunate with the Under-21s group that we have players playing with a lot of confidence,” he said.

“There’s Saido, Harry and Danny Ings who are all scoring regularly in the Premier League.

“It’s a real rich crop of striking talent.”