SEAN Dyche has admitted he made a mistake in starting Dwight McNeil in the midweek defeat to Newcastle rather than resting the youngster.

The winger came into the side for the win over West Ham in late December and has started every game since, impressing on the left of midfield.

He was selected over the fit-again Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Robbie Brady against Spurs last weekend and kept the shirt for the at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.

But he was replaced by Brady at the break and Dyche explained the rationale behind the change.

“It was a step too far after Tottenham,” said the Clarets chief. “It was my fault really. Physically he was in good shape but mentally it could have been one step too far.

“He’ll definitely be in contention for Saturday, without a shadow of a doubt.

“He doesn’t understand this now, because he’s too young, but when you’re a bit more mature you accept you have one or two of those games.

“But then it comes back and you’re away again. He is contention to start on Saturday.”