BURNLEY Academy boss Jon Pepper was left with a sense of pride after seeing the Clarets Under-18s finish runners-up in the Generali Cee Cup in Prague.

Danny Cadamarteri's side defied expectations in the Czech Republic, making the final of the prestigious 12-team tournament, which is for under-19 teams from across Europe.

But their dream run in Prague came to an end in the final as the Clarets lost 3-1 to Everton, with the Toffees' Category 1 Academy getting the better of Burnley's Category 2 Academy.

There were plenty of positives for Pepper though after seeing the Clarets beat one of the home town teams, Slavia Prague, and Toronto-based Prostars to top their group, before shocking Turkish outfit Altinordu on penalties in the semi-final.

And Pepper was pleased with the way the young Clarets conducted themselves while overseas, with a dozen first year scholars in Cadamarteri's squad for the tournament.

"I’m very proud of every player and all our staff in representing the club to the highest of standards." he said.

"We conducted ourselves in line with a Premier League club and the organisers commented on the professionalism of Burnley FC.

"It has been a great experience for everyone that will be invaluable to their careers in the future."

First year scholar Michael Fowler was one of Burnley's stars of the tournament, scoring three goals in the competition.

He began the final on the bench but after coming on at the break he scored with just under 20 minutes remaining to set up a nervy finish, after Tom Warren and Ellis Simms had given Everton a 2-0 lead at half-time.

But Warren struck again shortly after Fowler's goal to make sure the trophy would head back to Merseyside rather than East Lancashire.

There will be some silverware on the plane back with Pepper and Cadamarteri though, with goalkeeper Adam Bruce earning the goalkeeper of the tournament award.

"It’s a magnificent achievement to be named goalkeeper of the tournament,” added Pepper.

Burnley's Academy chief also expressed his thanks to the UpTheClarets website for their financial support for the trip to Prague for the Generali Cee Cup.