OWEN Coyle has agreed new two-year deals for young duo Chris McCann and Jay Rodriguez on the eve of Burnley's new Premier League season.

Coyle was delighted to secure midfielder McCann, 22, and striker Rodriguez, 20, on extended contracts, particularly following speculation about McCann’s future.

The Republic of Ireland Under 21 international, who has been with the Clarets since he was 16 and made more than 150 senior appearances, was linked with Aston Villa during the summer.

But Coyle said: “There hasn’t been any bids, but there are always enquiries about players, as I make enquiries about different players. That always happens in football.

“You saw last year with Chris’s goals from midfield, for such a young lad he’s a seasoned player now with the experience he’s had in the Championship, he’s a goalscoring threat from midfield.

“He’s such a valuable asset, so this is a bit of security for both him and the football club.

“Jay is continuing his development. We have a real belief in him, which he showed last year with the goals he scored and I’m absolutely thrilled to get them both on board for another two years.

“It shows you everything we’re doing in terms of the younger players at the football club and I think it brings both lads into line with what I think they should be earning.

“That was only fair from the football club but equally it also gives the lads a bit of stability, Chris McCann in particular, who only had a year to go.”

Rodriguez demonstrated his Premier League potential with a Carling Cup third round winner over Fulham, which launched Burnley’s voyage to the semi-finals, while Coyle has long maintained that McCann is ready-made for the top flight.

But the Burnley boss urged: “I’ve said to them all, as much as we all have that belief, now’s the time for them, when they cross that white line, to show everything they’ve got in their locker and show that they are bone fide Premier League players.

“That should be a great motivation. They’re playing against the best on a weekly basis and it’s up to them to stand toe-to-toe and show they’ve got a bit to offer.”