FORMER Burnley striker Ade Akinbiyi has backed Danny Ings to star in the Premier League this season, believing the 21-year-old can even end the season in the England squad.

The Clarets were relegated last time they reached the top-flight but Akinbiyi is confident Dyche’s current crop are well equipped to survive, not least because they have England Under-21 international Ings among their ranks.

He said: “I’m really surprised they’ve kept hold of him. Sean must have done his homework well and the club has done well to keep hold of him.

“I think he’s a top player, probably one of the best players that Burnley have had as a striker. He seems to score a goal every time he’s on the pitch and I think he’ll do the same in the Premier League because he is one of these players who gets one chance and tucks it away.

“He is a player that I do think will do really well in the Premier League. If he can do what he did in the Championship I think then you are looking at the (senior) international level.”