Walters doesn't expect Burnley to struggle

Jon Walters doesn't expect Burnley to struggle with "second season syndrome" and get dragged into a Premier League relegation battle.

The Ireland international joined Burnley in a £3m deal last month, with the 33-year-old signing a two-year deal at Turf Moor.

The Liverpool-born forward spent seven seasons with the Potters, finishing in the top half of the table in three of the last four seasons and never dropping below 14th.

And Walters is not anticipating a relegation battle at his new club, who finished six points and two places clear of the relegation zone in their first season back in the Premier League but remain among the bookmakers' favourites to go down.

"A big danger for clubs coming up is that second season syndrome, and you don't want to fall into that category," he said.

"You get comfortable, think you've done it after a year - I don't think we'll let that happen here.

"With the players and the characters we have in the building we won't let it.

"It's a grounded group of boys and that helps, there's no egos in the building. It wouldn't be allowed here."

The Clarets start their Premier League campaign against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and Walters hopes to catch the Premier League champions cold in the opening game of the season.

Eden Hazard, Pedro and new signing Tiemoue Bakayoko are all injured while Victor Moses is banned following his red card in May's FA Cup final.

"It's a tough start to the season but bring it on, it could be a good time to play them," he said.

"They may not have gelled, might have players coming back from internationals, a few injuries or suspensions. Maybe we can cause a few surprises."

Photo Getty Images/ Nathan Stirk

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