CLARETS legend Willie Irvine has praised Owen Coyle for bringing an Arsenal-esque style of football to Turf Moor.

Burnley are looking to cause another Carling Cup shockwave when they host Arsene Wenger’s young stars in tonight’s last-eight showdown.

It is a repeat of the League Cup quarter-final tie of 41 years ago, when winger Irvine scored the final goal in a pulsating 3-3 draw.

The former Northern Ireland international also hit the scoresheet in the replay at Highbury – but the Gunners ran out 2-1 winners before losing the final to Leeds at Wembley.

Arsenal are firm favourites to progress on this occasion, boasting some of Europe’s best young talent.

However, Irvine is confident that Coyle can mastermind another surprise scalp following their stunning penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

And the Burnley favourite does not expect the Clarets boss to change his attacking philosophy against a side considered the best passing team in England.

“Owen Coyle has made Burnley into a football club again,” said the 65-year-old, who made 148 appearances for the Clarets during the 1960’s.

“He’s got that unity back among the lads. They’re playing good football and playing for him.

“Owen wants his side to get the ball down and play football how it should be played. There’s no long-ball stuff.

“It’s wonderful stuff at times. Arsenal play excellent football and Owen has the same philosophy. I think the supporters really enjoy it.”

The odds are firmly stacked against Burnley progressing to the semi-finals of the competition.

But following their earlier Carling Cup giant-killing feats against Fulham and Chelsea, Irvine insists the Clarets are capable of yet another shock.

He said: “Beating Chelsea – who would have thought that possible?

“It won’t be easy. Those Arsenal youngsters are something special. They showed Wigan how to play football and they’ll look to do the same to us.

“But we’ve every chance.”

Irvine can vividly recall the November 1967 meeting against the Gunners, in which the winger grabbed an 87th minute equaliser to take the tie to a replay.

“My God, 41 years ago. Is that how long it was?” laughed Irvine. “It was a fantastic game - I can remember most of it, more or less.

“What I remember most was Andy Lochhead almost having his head taken off when he scored.

“It came from a rocket cross and most people would have got out of the way. But not Andy, he headed anything!”