ALL the talking points from Burnley’s 2-0 reverse at Newcastle United on Tuesday night

REACTION

THE good thing about football is that the next game is never too far away.

For Burnley it is the visit of Crystal Palace on Saturday. Bounce back with a win and the disappointing defeat at St James’ Park will be quickly forgotten.

Six points from a three-game week against Spurs, Newcastle and the Eagles would represent a good return and ensure the Clarets remain clear of the bottom three.

It is important Tuesday’s loss is nothing more than a blip and not a malaise that leads to a nervous final few weeks of the season.

There is no need to over react, one defeat in nine is a record not to be sniffed at and, on the basis of the last eight weeks, there are plenty of reasons to believe Burnley have enough to stay up.

WESTWOOD IMPORTANCE

PICK the most important player for Burnley at the moment and many will plum for Tom Heaton or perhaps one of the in-form strikers.

But, based on the evidence of the Clarets defeat to Newcastle, it might just be Ashley Westwood.

The midfielder missed out through illness at St James’ Park and Sean Dyche’s side missed his energy and effectiveness in midfield.

The 28-year-old is something of an unsung hero in the centre of the park and has formed a strong partnership with Jack Cork.

Jeff Hendrick did his best to fill the gap but he couldn’t provide the screen in front of the Burnley back four or get about the opposition as well as Westwood.

Dyche hopes the midfielder will be back for the visit of Palace on Saturday and hopefully he can help get the Clarets ticking again.

MCNEIL MONITORING

DWIGHT McNeil has hardly put a foot wrong since coming into the Burnley team.

The teenager has been a breath of fresh air with his work-rate, attitude and ability on the left side.

But against Newcastle on Tuesday he struggled to get into the game for the first time in his Clarets career.

With the Magpies playing with wing backs, McNeil was having to track back and help the Burnley backline and at times he seemed caught betwixt and between with his positioning while his ball retention fell short of the high standards he has set himself in recent weeks.

The teenager was replaced by Robbie Brady at the break with boss Sean Dyche feeling it might have been one game too many for McNeil.

But this is what to expect from young players, the 19-year-old has been an overriding positive for the team and the fans since breaking through and, with patience and guidance, can be a complete Premier League player.