BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche does not believe he could have fast-tracked youngster Dwight McNeil into his first team any sooner.

The 19-year-old has started the last two Premier League games for the Clarets, finding the net in the win over West Ham, and is set to start Saturday's FA Cup third round tie with League One side Barnsley.

McNeil made his debut as a last minute substitute on the final day of last season against Bournemouth and has been in and around the first team for a number of months.

But Dyche was keen not to rush him into the starting XI and does not think he could have blooded the teenager any sooner.

"No, definitely not," he said. "He’s been learning well, sitting behind the main players, but he’s been training well.

"He’s been playing in the Under-23s, delivering very good and very mature performances. We know all about that.

"It’s very difficult for young players. They need a chance to operate when you think they can stay in. You need to give them a real chance, and not just bring them in for maybe the odd little cameo. It’s about trying to keep them in.

"And early season, we put him in and felt he delivered quite well. We felt being in with the group would enhance his chances when he went in, and I think we’ve seen that.

"He’s gone in at the right time and he’s played well."