SEAN Dyche has hailed the performances of flying full backs Charlie Taylor and Phil Bardsley.

The Burnley pair have started the last four Premier League games together, helping the Clarets to 10 points to climb clear of the relegation zone.

The duo may be rested for this weekend's FA Cup clash at Manchester City with Matt Lowton and Stephen Ward both expected to be fit.

And Turf boss Dyche feels Bardsley and Taylor, who have made a combined 43 appearances this term, are benefitting from the challenge of competition at the club.

"Charlie is learning, he still has some way to go but physically he is as good as anything out there size wise," said Dyche.

"He challenges people one v one very well and his game understanding is improving all the time. He is a very good player. "Bardo is different, he is a very experienced player. He uses his experience well."

Republic of Ireland international Ward, who featured for the first time since September when playing an hour of the FA Cup third round win over Barnsley last month, could well replace Taylor for the trip to City on Saturday as he continues his comeback which has also seen him feature for the club's Under-23s.

And Dyche is pleased to have two players to choose from at left back.

The Clarets chief added: "Wardy’s done excellent, he came back in for the cup game (against Barnsley), got another game in with the young lads in the week and he is pushing again now to be back involved so I am pleased with that.

"You never know with players, some need that push when someone is right down your neck and some can get on without any pressure and just keep playing well anyway.

"Charlie will know that for himself, I don’t think you can have any crystal ball with how people use that or don’t use it."