Ward believes Burnley cannot be underestimated in the Premier League this season
Ward already has Premier League experience under his belt and is eyeing up survival
Burnley’s Stephen Ward has sent out a warning to Saturday’s opponents Liverpool, telling the club’s official website that the Clarets are capable of beating anyone in the Premier League.
A solitary Leroy Fer strike was enough to condemn Burnley to an opening-day defeat on their return to the Premier League, despite hosts putting in an encouraging performance at Turf Moor.
Saturday’s clash with the Reds coincides with Ward’s 31st birthday, and the Irishman believes that experience will be key to his side’s survival hopes.
He told the club’s official website: “We’ve learnt a lot from last time we were in the league and a lot of the squad have had a taste of Premier League football.
“If we can get points on the board as early as possible then hopefully that will bode well for a good season. I think you could feel a confidence around the stadium from the players and the staff as well.
“There’s a real belief that we deserve to be here and we’re here on merit so we need to grab it with both hands.”
The Clarets look set to hand a debut to club-record signing Steven Defour this weekend, who has arrived at Turf Moor from Anderlecht for around £8 million.
Ward himself has fond memories of playing Liverpool, having scored his first ever top-flight goal at Anfield for previous club Wolverhampton Wanderers in a gritty 1-0 win.
A repeat of that result in Lancashire would be most welcome this time around, as Burnley have not beaten Liverpool in the league since 1974.
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