MICHAEL Jolley praised an “on-fire” Ntumba Massanka for easing his Burnley-Under 21s into qualifying round two of the U21 Premier League Cup.

The 18-year-old struck twice either side of half-time at Turf Moor to take his recent tally to seven goals in five games for the development squad, while Tom Anderson completed a 3-0 win over Wigan Athletic U21s with a header from a corner.

“I am really proud of the team,” said Under-21s boss Jolley.

“We have been on a good run recently and this was a fixture to showcase how we play and the lads were excellent all the way through, so I’m delighted with the win and to progress of course.

“Ntumba is on fire at the minute and he deserves to be. He is working really hard at his game and I tell all the lads that if they work hard they will get their rewards.

“He had a little injury in pre-season which he was disappointed about, but he worked really hard to get himself back fit and he is on a golden run at the moment so long may that continue.”

Jolley confirmed that Clarets first team manager Sean Dyche watched the game, and added: “Whenever the manager is watching it gives the players an added bonus because ultimately all the lads want to try to impress him and get in his plans, so hopefully a few of them have done that.

“The gaffer was pleased after the game with the way we played and we went about the game exactly the way he wants us to.”

Anderson, who has been involved in the first team squad this season, was one of the three permitted over-age players and completed the win with the third goal, and Jolley said: “I can’t speak highly enough of Tom.

“He is a tremendous professional who is very mature for a young guy and he goes about games and his development exactly the right way.

“He has got everyone’s respect and whenever he plays for us it helps the other lads immensely. He just needs to stick at it now and try and get his break.”

After dominating from the start, Burnley got their first just after the half-hour.

Massanka showed terrific composure after latching onto Fredrik Ulvestad’s through ball to round the keeper and steady himself before firing through the defenders on the line for his first.

He had to be patient for his second. After being denied just before the hour by Adam Anson on the line, he finished well in the 68th minute after good work Jamie Frost and Renny Smith in the build-up.

Anderson rose to plant home a firm header, reminiscent of Michael Keane, from Brad Jackson’s corner with just over 10 minutes to go.

Burnley, who fielded Ulvestad and Kevin Long as the other two over-age players, were comfortable for the most part, and the extra goals in the second half reflected their dominance.