BURNLEY Under-23 boss Stone believes the experience gained by his young Clarets in defeat to Ipswich Town will be invaluable in the long-term.

Stone fielded Under-16 pair Lewis Richardson and Ben Woods against the Tractor Boys while Under-18 pair Will Harris and Mitch George were also involved.

The Clarets were beaten 2-0 in East Anglia but Stone felt the performances of the teenagers, against an Ipswich side featuring the likes of former Accrington Stanley striker Kayden Jackson, will prove beneficial.

“There are lots of positives to take from that, we left a few at home and had a very young team out there," said Stone after the defeat.

“The thought process behind that was to give some of the young lads experience that will be coming into the squad next year.

“We had two 16-year-olds and a handful of scholars involved, up against a strong and experienced Ipswich side that are top of their division."

The Clarets youngsters were beaten by two first half goals as they lost for the first time since January 11.

But Stone was pleased with his side's second half showing when they caused Ipswich problems.

He said: "We certainly were not outclassed in anyway shape or form today and quite disappointed we have been beaten 2-0 by such a strong side, we had a few good chances.

“But that’s what the young lads need to realise now, it’s a winning mentality and winning does matter.

“Overall absolutely delighted with how (the game) went with such a young side out there and that’s what we are trying to do - accelerate development."

Burnley Under-23s return to action on Monday when they host Watford at Curzon Ashton's Tameside Stadium (2pm).