JACK Cork believes Ashley Westwood is bringing a 'calmness' to the Clarets as Sean Dyche's side prepare to face Liverpool this weekend.

The pair were reunited for the defeat to Crystal Palace last time out after Westwood missed the defeat to Newcastle through illness.

The duo have cemented themselves as Burnley's first choice midfield pairing, playing 14 of the last 15 Premier League games together with Steven Defour out injured.

And former Swansea City man Cork has been impressed with Westwood's performances in the last 12 months.

"He has been great, he has to be patient for his chance," said the 29-year-old.

"But the end of last season and this season he has probably been one of our better players. "He has got that quality on the ball and that calmness to provide and he has that workrate as well. He will always give everything."

With Defour not expected to return in time for the trip to Anfield on Sunday the duo are set to continue in the middle of the park for Burnley.

Jeff Hendrick, who has adapted well to a role on the right hand side, remains an option in the middle having filled in against Newcastle.

And Cork believes the Clarets have plenty of competition for a place in midfield

"I have really enjoyed playing with Westy as much as I have played a lot of times with Steven last year and Jeff," added the former Chelsea youngster.

"They are all good players with different qualities and attributes and Westy has been great to play with so far."

The Clarets face a daunting task this weekend as they travel to title-chasing Liverpool looking to become the first team to beat Jurgen Klopp's side on their own patch in the league.

Cork put Burnley in front in the reverse fixture in December before the Reds responded to win 3-1.

Liverpool are a point behind Manchester City at the top of the table and face Bayern Munich in a Champions League last-16 second leg tie on Wednesday.