Michael Keane has praised Burnley's never-say-die spirit after the club again showed their ability to strike in 'Fergie time'.

The Clarets extended their unbeaten run to 20 games in midweek thanks to Keane's last-gasp equaliser against Sky Bet Championship leaders Middlesbrough.

The defender, 23, kept Burnley on Boro's tail with a scuffed stoppage-time finish from a corner in a 1-1 draw which came just four games after Keane had also salvaged a draw at third-placed Brighton.

Keane came through the ranks at Manchester United at a time when the Red Devils, under Sir Alex Ferguson, would often score decisive late goals and the centre-back insists it is a trait Sean Dyche's promotion-chasers also possess.

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"It's the same attitude – at United we were always told to go to the end," he explained.

"It's the famous 'Fergie time', isn't it? It's now 'Dyche time'! You try and carry that on wherever you go throughout your career. It's instilled in all the players here as well and all the staff. It's a great habit to have."

Dyche's side can move above Middlesbrough with a victory at Lancashire rivals Preston on Friday night, yet they will know North End are no pushovers having lost to them in the reverse fixture at Turf Moor earlier in the campaign.

It was Will Keane, Michael Keane's twin brother, who got the opening goal in a 2-0 win that day, though sibling rivalry will be put aside at Deepdale after the former Lilywhites loanee was recalled to Old Trafford in January.

"He's not involved any more but I'm glad he's not playing," Michael Keane added.

"It was disappointing when they came here and did a job on us but hopefully we'll go there, put in a good performance like we did on Tuesday and get a result.

"He's turned in to a Burnley fan now for the last few games so he's rooting for us."

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Preston have already secured safety in the second tier following their promotion through the play-offs last year and a spot in the top six remains out of their reach too.

However, manager Simon Grayson has warned Burnley that they will be motivated by keeping hold of the berth in the top 10 that they currently hold.

"It was always going to be a big game because it's a Lancashire derby but there's a lot at stake for Burnley; it's getting to the crunch time of the season now," Grayson noted.

"We've got a quick turnaround and we'll go and try and put on a performance and get three points. We want to keep maintaining where we are in the division and not get out of this top-10 position that we're in now."