CHARLIE Taylor admits it's proving 'hard not to think of Europe' as Burnley's dream season reaches the halfway stage.

The Clarets will bring up the mid-point of the campaign with a home game against Tottenham at Turf Moor on Saturday and they head into that clash ahead of Mauricio Pochettino's side and in the top six.

Burnley are only two points away from the top four and the stunning start has sparked hopes of a battle for a place in Europe next year.

Taylor is following the Sean Dyche manta of 'one game at a time', but revealed there had been thoughts of Europe.

"You've got to take it one game at a time," the former Leeds United left-back said.

"It is hard to not think about the bigger picture and Europe. There's a lot of games coming up and hard fixtures, we've just got to keep this run going and who knows where it will take us.

"I never thought when I signed here we'd be this high at Christmas time. It's testament and credit to everyone involved."

Taylor was a summer arrival from Elland Road having spent 14 years with the Whites.

Although he's had to be patient for his chance in the Premier League the 24-year-old has recently replaced the injured Stephen Ward in the side.

"You get a lot of downtime in football. The manager can only pick 11 players really, it is very hard at times, you've just got to keep on going," Taylor said.

"There's a lot of pros that set good examples here, it's been good to follow what they've done.

"Every professional footballer, all they want to do is play. It is tough but at the same time it's about taking your chance when it finally arrives.

"You just come in, train the best you can and try and impress. Keep doing what you can when you can.

"It's frustrating but I can't really complain. The team's done well, Wardy's done brilliant and it was just about waiting and taking my chance."

Despite his limited game time Taylor has relished being part of the club this season.

"It's the best dressing room I've been in, in such high spirits and so tight as a group of lads," he said.

"It makes coming in every day, where I wasn't playing, still enjoyable because there's such a good mood."