OWEN Coyle believes Burnley's rising star Chris McCann is destined for life at the very top.

The 20-year-old midfielder is going from strength to strength at Turf Moor after enjoying a blistering first half to the season.

A mainstay for the Clarets, he has started in 18 of the club's 21 Championship games this season, and only a hamstring injury curtailed the Republic of Ireland youngster's chances of matching Andy Gray as an ever-present.

Fast becoming one of the first names on the Burnley team-sheet, McCann's box-to-box displays in the engine room have proved crucial to the club's cause.

But his attributes don't just rest in the centre of the park, as the versatile McCann, who progressed through the club's youth system, has regularly shown with commanding performances at centre-back, left-back and left midfield.

In Tuesday night's defeat to QPR, he slotted into the back four following Clarke Carlisle's hamstring injury, and there is a possibility that he could figure alongside David Unsworth again in tomorrow's Championship derby against Preston.

It is McCann's professionalism that has earned plenty of praise from Coyle, and the Clarets boss is confident that his young warrior will fulfil his potential.

"Chris McCann is a fantastically talented individual. Without a doubt, he will go on to play at the highest level when the time is right," said Coyle "I really believe that. I've worked with some top, top players in my time and played with a lot too, and I see enormous potential in the kid.

"He can play in a number of positions, at centre-back and in the middle of the park, and that's great.

"Certainly, while I've been at the club, he's been playing out of his skin and long may that continue."

Coyle also feels Dublin-born McCann has all the ingredients to become a Republic of Ireland international in the not too distant future.

The midfielder's chances of making progress on the international scene looked to have taken a backwards step when he was sent home from Ireland's Under-21 squad just hours before their European Championship qualifier against Bulgaria last month.

McCann was heavily criticised by Ireland U21 boss Don Givens after saying he did not want to take his place on the bench.

While his actions may have presented serious ramifications in terms of future selection, Coyle, a former Republic of Ireland international, revealed that McCann has taken steps to smooth things over with Givens.

Coyle said: "Chris spoke to Don Givens himself and I think it's been sorted out.

"I was a young pro myself and I made mistakes - as we all do. What it does show is that Chris was desperate to play, and I just think his frustration came out the wrong way "That's all it was, but it's happened now. It's water under the bridge, and he will move on from this. Chris will be better for that, I've no doubt about it."

On McCann's international chances at senior level, Coyle added: "I don't want to get too carried away, but there's a chance for Chris if he continues to develop and that's important, because he has all the attributes."

Clarets team-mate Alan Mahon is a firm believer that McCann deserves an Ireland call-up.

The 29-year-old was surprised that his Irish colleague was overlooked under previous boss Steve Staunton, who favoured youth over experience during his short spell in charge of the national side.

But Mahon - who earned the last of his two Ireland caps seven years ago - is delighted with his young countryman's progress, along with that of striker Kyle Lafferty, who is already a recognised international with Northern Ireland.

"Chris is a fantastic player. He's a young kid with loads of enthusiasm, and loads of energy," said Mahon.

"For a young lad, he knows a lot about the game. He does a lot of covering and tackling. He's a big lump as well!

"But he's a good kid, a good pro, and fingers crossed, with Kyle Lafferty, the two of them have got a good start in their career and hopefully they can kick on from here and go far in the game.

"Burnley is the perfect place for them. Here, they are working with good people, there's good management, and good players working around them.

"They are well looked after and, for their career, this is a great place to develop."

gary.york@the-lt.co.uk