EDDIE Howe sees former Preston winger Ross Wallace as a key figure in Burnley’s play-off push.

The 25-year-old summer signing has regained his place in the starting line-up since Howe’s appointment last month, after losing out to Jay Rodriguez under former boss Brian Laws in September.

But in allowing Wallace to play on the left or right, while also using Rodriguez more frequently in a central striking role, Howe has found space for both of them in the side.

And he believes Burnley are starting to see the best of their wide man now he is getting a regular run.

“I suppose it’s a modern trend in football,” said the Burnley boss on the subject of shifting wingers away from their natural side.

“A lot of teams do it.

“I think Ross can play anywhere really. He’s a very talented footballer and I’ve been very impressed with him in the short time I’ve been here, and I think his form has improved with every game.”

Howe has started Wallace in five of his eight games in charge, including the last three Championship ties, and he has been influential in helping Burnley take seven points from a possible nine against Norwich, Watford and Cardiff.

“I see him being an important member in the future of the football club,” Howe added.

“I’ve been impressed with his attitude and everything about him.

“There’s been some positive stuff from him.”

And Howe knows Wallace, who has three goals and four assists this season, won’t be the only one hoping to star against Preston, as both Graham Alexander and Tyrone Mears also both count North End among their former clubs.

“There are a number of connections. Ross will be hoping that he performs well, and there are a couple of others,” said the Burnley boss, who will experience his first Lancashire derby tomorrow.

“That sort of goes out of the window a little bit in games like this because there’s so much to talk about that almost gets forgotten.

“I’m sure we’ll all be looking to give a good account of ourselves.”

Howe is particularly keen to use what will be the 128th meeting between Burnley and Preston as a way of getting Monday night’s heavy FA Cup fifth round defeat at West Ham out of their system, and keeping their play-off challenge on track.

“The defeat has hurt the players, as it would do, but they’ve reacted in the right way (in training),” said the 33-year-old.

“They’re a positive group anyway.

“Our league form has been very good and the cup game, although it’s not forgotten because we’ve learnt our lessons, it’s put to the back of the mind and we’ve got to go to Preston in confident mood after our recent performances.”

And he insisted they had worked on erasing the defensive mistakes which contributed to shipping five goals at Upton Park for the second time in as many visits.

“The high (defensive) line is not a tactic that I’ve introduced or brought in. That was how the game panned out.

"It’s something that we’ve talked about and something that we want to learn from, as a team – not as individuals – because it always relates back to the team,” he said.

“The midfield and the strikers are just as important as the back four.

“It’s something we’ve hopefully addressed because it’s not something I want to see that often. Playing that high I think is a risky strategy.”