EDDIE Howe has backed Marvin Bartley to overcome his mid-season frustrations and end the campaign in style.

The midfielder hit form in his first full season in the Championship after being granted a run of starts from September to December.

But before last week’s trip to Ipswich, the former Bournemouth man had only featured in Howe’s line-up once since being dropped to the bench on Boxing Day.

Bartley and Dean Marney have jostled for a central midfield position all season alongside captain Chris McCann – an ever-present in the Championship.

However, a change in formation has accommodated all three in the last two games, against Ipswich and West Ham, with Bartley starting both.

After being at fault for the goal which cost the Clarets in a 1-0 defeat at Portman Road last Wednesday, the 25-year-old responded a barnstorming performance with a goal - his third of the campaign - in the 2-2 home draw with the Hammers.

And Howe hopes that will boost him to end the season on a high.

“Marvin was excellent again,” said the Burnley boss, who explained the reasons for leaving former window fitter Bartley out of his line-up for 14 of the last 17 games.

“He came in and was excellent early season, but we felt we had to give him a bit of a break.

“He was very unlucky to find himself out of the team in the first place.

“He wanted to play but the team went on a really good run.

“But in some senses with the season he's had and the career he's had to date we felt we needed to give him a breather.

“It was perhaps longer than he wanted, but his performance was excellent (on Saturday).”

Howe accepted that Bartley was frustrated by his absence from the side, but added: “We're delighted to bring him back into the team now, and if he keeps performing like that he'll stay in the team.”

“That's what you get from him.”

Howe was also pleased to see Paterson mark his recovery from injury with his first goal of the calendar year in Saturday’s stalemate.

“I thought he worked extremely hard. In the first half he caused all sorts of problems with his pace,” said the Burnley boss.

“Another real positive was him coming through that with no problems.

“He put a great effort in.

“Hopefully he can stay fit and continue to score.”

Goals for Bartley and Paterson were especially vital given top scorer Jay Rodriguez was absent for the second time in three games with a groin problem.

But Howe is hopeful of the striker returning for Saturday’s trip to Portsmouth.

“We'll give him every chance to be available,” he said.