OWEN Coyle is confident that he has a cracking midfield pairing to tackle the best of the Championship.

The Burnley boss was quick to heap praise on Republic of Ireland star Chris McCann almost from the moment he stepped through the doors at Turf Moor.

As early as December he was quoted as saying: “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.

“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.”

And he believes he has found McCann’s perfect partner after securing the signature of Scottish youngster Kevin McDonald.

Coyle revealed that he sees striking similarities between the two players and said he was looking forward to watching them hone their talents with the Clarets.

He said: “Everybody knows the esteem that I hold Chris McCann in and you’ve got Kevin now who’s a little bit taller but has the same dynamics. As his goals show from last year, he’s a real goalscoring threat, as is Chris McCann. They’re both powerful lads and they both have the hunger and desire.

“They’re driven and we if we can improve them in various aspects, they can go on to be a tremendous asset for the football club.”

McDonald signed a three-year deal at Turf Moor and the former Dundee star fits in perfectly with Coyle’s plan to bring the average age of the Clarets squad down following the signing of Martin Paterson (21) and the imminent arrival of 24-year-old Peruvian international stopper Diego Penny.

And the Clarets manager said he had no problem placing his trust in youth.

“I’m not talking about what’s gone on before in years gone by, but I feel that if we’re going to spend money, in the main, I’ll try to do it on younger players, who can grow with us and become real assets, so those values appreciate, rather than depreciate,” he said.

“We want them to settle in with us, show their qualities and really take us on for years to come at Burnley.”