SEAN Dyche has backed new boy Ben Gibson as a 'leader' as he looks to work his way into the Burnley side.

The £15million man has a fight on his hands to unseat James Tarkowski or Ben Mee at the heart of the Clarets defence.

But Dyche believes the former Middlesbrough man is up for the battle and hailed the 25-year-old's leadership qualities.

"Ben Gibson, without doubt, is a man, a leader, I can’t smell anything other than that on him," Dyche said of his new centre back.

Gibson was captain at Boro but after a season in the Championship he took the decision to leave his boyhood club and return to the Premier League with Burnley.

Although he may have to be patient for his first team chance at Turf Moor, Dyche believes he is prepared to work hard for it.

Gibson made 203 appearances for his boyhood club, including 38 in the Premier League, before cutting ties this summer.

"That’s the challenge, and he’s brought into that," he said.

"He wants to do well for himself, he’s taken a big commitment to come here, and he knows.

“He’s seen it, there’s an honesty to players like him, he’ll be looking (at Mee and Tarkowski) thinking ‘these are decent players’ but, how can you not admire a player who knows he’s coming into that and saying ‘yeah, I want a piece of it. I want to go and challenge.’

“So we’re looking forward to what he can offer when he gets a chance."

Gibson was one of three new recruits at Burnley this summer, alongside goalkeeper Joe Hart from Manchester City and striker Matej Vydra from Derby County.

Hart has already impressed but Vydra is also having to be patient as he works his way back up to full fitness following his £11million switch.

"Vyds has to get fit, he’s hardly been involved at Derby, let’s see what he can offer," Dyche said.

"Joe Hart is different with his experience levels.

“We probably wanted one or two more, but we’re pleased with the ones we’ve got, that’s for sure, and the demand from the group, to still keep on their standards."