FIRST team coach Steve Davis believes David Unsworth will have a huge impact on the development of Burnley's young defenders.

The strapping central defender started his second consecutive reserves at Wrexham last night, in what was a strong Clarets line-up in the middle of a two-week break for international duty.

In his only outing for the second string - a 3-1 home win over Blackpool two weeks ago - Unsworth lined up alongside youngsters Dean Stott, Daniel Brown and Tom Bradley, as well as teenage goalkeeper Jonathan Sergeant.

And Davis believes learning from a defender with international and extensive Premiership experience will be key to their progression.

"It is great for the likes of the back four to be able to play alongside David.

"I would be chuffed to bits to be playing alongside him, so the young lads will really benefit.

"David is a good talker and constantly encourages people, so he can only be good for their development.

"There's some experience in the reserves and the young lads have done their bit as well, so it's a good mix."

Head of youth development Vince Overson added: "David Unsworth has been magnificent with the lads. He is a big presence in the back four, a big voice and he has enormous respect from all the players.

"He is a top class Premiership player and one thing he can do with his experience is pass that on to the young players just from the communication he gives them.

"They've done well in the reserves and competed well, and they listen and try to put into practice on matchdays what we do in training on.

"They're still learning. But everything we're telling the kids, David is actually putting into operation himself during games, and the penny drops for them.

"It's fantastic to have someone with that influence with the young lads. And that goes for the rest of the professionals who have played with the young reserves in different departments such as midfield and attacking roles.

"But you have to have a solid and dependable back four and David's been that type of defender throughout his career.

"They are learning from the best."