SEAN Dyche believes James Tarkowski’s tactical understanding has developed in his time at Burnley and has backed him to thrive should he be required in midfield again.

The centre back is likely to return to the heart of defence for the Clarets’ FA Cup fifth round tie with Lincoln City at Turf Moor on Saturday.

But he showed his versatility with an assured display in centre midfield in the fourth round win over Bristol City.

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The Clarets are short of numbers in that area with Steven Defour (hamstring) and Dean Marney (cruciate knee ligament) out injured and Jeff Hendrick suspended for the cup clash and the Premier League trip to Hull City, so Tarkowski could still be required in the centre of the pitch in the coming weeks.

If he is, it isn’t a situation that is going to concern Dyche.

“The reason behind it is that he’s got good feet, he can play, there’s no two ways about it, he moves well for a big lad, sharp on his feet,” the Clarets chief said.

“We didn’t want to put the team at risk - because we respected Bristol City - but we wanted to see him in action. He’s been in there a few times, late on in games, and I thought he delivered a fair performance.

“There is still things that he’ll learn from in that role but you’ve got to consider that it’s the first time under Burnley Football Club that he’s played there.”

Tarkowski’s Premier League appearances in midfield have come as a shield when the Clarets are trying to see games out.

But it’s a different scenario starting a game in that position and Dyche is happy to have the former Brentford man as another option, with Joey Barton and Ashley Westwood the only senior central midfielders available this weekend.

Dyche added of Tarkowski’s performance against Bristol City: “That was they key to it; could he start a game and feel his way in to it and the shape of it and where he’s meant to be? I thought he did that really well and responded to it really well.

“He’s got really good feet. I think that all of our centre-halves are good with their feet here but he is in-particular and I think it’s a real strength of his. He can pass and he can play.

“He only really got caught out a couple of times when the game was behind him because when you’re a centre-half the game is in front of you.”

Dyche also revealed Burnley have modified Tarkowski’s training slightly to try and improve his understanding of the midfield role.

The Turf boss added: “We’ve spoken to him about it and I think he gets the tactical side of football in general and I think that’s definitely something he’s learnt more so when he’s been here.

“He’s definitely understood the shape, the centre-half shape mainly, so I think he’s quite a flexible player. He’s mentally flexible.

“He wasn’t questioning it, he was ready to play. I like that about the whole group; you can put that demand on them and challenge them with these differences and they’re open-minded.

“We’ve got a good environment here for that. If they trust us to do it then they’ll trust themselves. They’re happy to give that a go.”