MICHAEL Keane says he could have had no complaints if he lost his place to James Tarkowski.

The centre-half was a Championship ever-present until suffering a head injury during the win over Rotherham United last month.

Keane, who said he had no memory of the incident for a week and told the doctor he thought the year was 1996 after going off with concussion, was given the recommended six days off, meaning he missed the home win over Nottingham Forest three days later.

Manager Sean Dyche opted to give the 23-year-old, who had also experienced dizziness, additional rest and left him out of the following weekend’s squad for the win at Bolton Wanderers.

During Keane’s absence Tarkowski contributed to maximum points from the three games and two clean sheets.

But Keane said he was just happy for the team to maintain a winning trend rather than worry about his own position.

“It (the injury) was really frustrating. I didn’t know much about it – I couldn’t remember what happened for about a week,” said Keane.

“But I’m really glad the lads managed to keep winning and Tarky did well replacing me.

“I think that’s part of the mentality, when you’ve got a good squad you’re going to get replaced by good players if you miss a few games.

“I was really happy he did well because first and foremost it’s about the team, but at the end of the day there’s nothing he can do about it and nothing I can do – it’s the manager’s decision.

“I wasn’t worried at all. If I didn’t go back in the team then fair play to Tarky but luckily I got back in and I’ve done well since.

“But I’m happy to be back in the team and playing again.”

Keane was restored to the Clarets’ line-up for last weekend’s derby win over rivals Blackburn Rovers, and added: “I would have been gutted if I’d missed that!

“It was a special day, the atmosphere was brilliant and to scrape a 1-0 win was good as well.”

Keane required treatment for another blow to the head on his return, after being struck in the face by Shane Duffy’s forearm.

“I thought I’d lost my tooth, it’s still sore now. Hopefully I can go a few weeks without a head injury,” said the former England Under-21 international.