SEAN Dyche hailed Dwight McNeil’s performance as a highpoint of the Clarets’ FA Cup thrashing at the hands of Manchester City.

The teenage winger again impressed at the Etihad, despite Burnley suffering a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s men.

On an afternoon of few positives for the Clarets McNeil was one of them, while Nick Pope also made some vital saves to keep the score down on his second start after shoulder surgery.

Asked about positives, Dyche said: “Dwight McNeill, Popey. Dwight has an inner bravery, he has courage to have the ball and that’s a powerful weapon.”

It was a mix and match side that Dyche picked at the Etihad, with Charlie Taylor starting at right-wing-back.

“We are missing players, we had to piece the side together to try to make sure players are back for Tuesday,” Dyche said.

“It's risk and reward. They (City) were terrific, but virtually every goal is from us making a mistake, you end up disappointed but there's a reality to it.

“We wanted to keep it tight and find the moments.”

Matej Vydra missed a glorious chance to equalise just after the break.

“We had a golden moment to go and score,” Dyche said. “I’m not saying we'd have gone and won but it could have changed the feeling if he'd put it in the net.

“I’m not remotely saying we'd have won but it changes the outlook of the game. After they scored the second that changed the game.

"I think that's their mentality, they improve year on year, their shape is good off the ball. They diffuse the game well, they're a top side.

“If you have a top side working as well it helps tremendously. There's a killer instinct without doubt, they're a top side.”

Kyle Walker was booked for a lunge on Steven Defour in the first half, but Dyche didn’t believe it was a red card, instead believing it may have been in between a yellow and a red.

“If it's an orange then I prefer a yellow,” the Clarets chief said. “I prefer to see a good challenge. If in doubt go yellow.”

There was an injury concern for Dyche when Robbie Brady was forced off at half-time and Burnley will have to wait to find out the extent of the winger’s injury.

“Wait and see, you don't know anything after the game, will know more when it settles down,” the Clarets chief said.