SEAN Dyche is reluctant to throw his young players in too early but, with a growing injury list, admitted he has had little choice.

Jay Rodriguez is the latest injury concern for the Clarets, limping off in the second half against West Brom on Saturday with a calf complaint.

With Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood both unavailable at the weekend and Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Robbie Brady also out, Dyche had to turn to Joel Mumbongo to replace Rodriguez.

It was the 22-year-old Swede’s third cameo appearance off the bench in the league having also come on in three FA Cup ties this season.

Dyche said: “It’s fair to say we are stretched and Joel Mumbongo, don’t get me wrong, is doing great and has been part of the group. But he’s a young kid and it’s his first look at football at this level.

“These players have played hardly any football and we’re throwing them into Premier League football matches. Part of their development is not to be thrown in too early.”