Burnley are flying in the Championship. Top of the table and looking like going back up at the first time of asking, Sean Dyche will be growing increasingly confident that his side can win that all important promotion.

They have developed a winning formula and a team capable of beating the very best in the division.

A solid defence, a well marshalled midfield, and a forward line as good as any in the league, Dyche really has done a remarkable job with the Clarets.

If Burnley are to keep this momentum going whether it be in the same league or in the Premiership, then it will be imperative that they keep the group together, especially certain players who are pivotal to their success.

Here at FLW, we have taken a look at FIVE players Burnley simply cannot afford to lose...

[[ffc-gallery]]

PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!

dyche

[[/ffc-gallery]]

Andre Gray

grayyyy

Gray has been phenomenal this season, scoring over 20 goals already and on some occasions winning games on his own.

A big money signing from Brentford in the summer, the Clarets resisted the temptation to cash in on him during January, and it appears to be paying dividends for them.

Gray will be absolutely key next season, regardless of division, and may well have a similar impact to that of Callum Wilson in the top flight, before injury cruelly derailed his season.

A top striker, and quite simply the best in the league, Burnley must go all out to keep him.

Tom Heaton

heaton5

The England goalkeeper and club captain is a class act in the sticks, and it is vital the Clarets keep hold of him for next season.

He is inspiring to his back four and his experience is key to what is a very solid defence, with the back four confident they have a real presence behind them should the strikers get in on goal.

Heaton spent time in his career at Man United before making his name in the game, and that time at such a big club has obviously proved to be really important as his career has progressed.

Joey Barton

barton88333

One of the best signings in the whole of the league this season, Bartons knowhow and experience in the middle of the park has been absolutely vital.

If the Clarets make it up, then Bartons experience will be even more important in the top league, and Dyche will be hoping to tie Barton down to a longer contract and ensure he is part of the side for a few years yet.

Barton is one of the best midfielders in the league on his day, and inspires those around him to perform to a better standard.

Michael Keane

keane762

The former Manchester United defender has been a revelation since joining the club and has been a star performer for the club throughout this season, forming solid partnerships at centre-half with whoever has partnered him.

Interest in him was high in January, and the club did well to resist any advances for his services.

Keane will be wanting to show he can perform in the top league after being let go by the Red Devils, and next season may just be that chance for him.

Matt Lowton

Matthew Lowton00

The former Aston Villa and Sheffield United defender has been excellent all season long and shown just how good he is for Sean Dyche and his team.

Lowton himself will be another player keen to show he can play in the Premier League, after performing admirably for Aston Villa before being allowed to leave for Lancashire.

The full-back is an excellent talent, and is still young enough to develop further and improve, something which he will be keen to do next season. It is vital that Burnley keep hold of Lowton.