BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche heaped praise on Matt Lowton for the professionalism he has shown after coming in for his first start since February in the win at Bournemouth.

Lowton came in for his 100th league start for the Clarets in Saturday's 3-1 win down on the south coast, after replacing Phil Bardsley, who had picked up an injury in a training ground accident.

The right-back had not appeared in a Premier League match since the 5-1 Boxing Day humbling at home to Everton, which left Dyche's side in the relegation zone at the turn of the year with just 12 points to their name.

The 29-year-old didn't look out of match practise as he slotted straight back into the side on the south coast, as the Clarets moved up to 14th and eight points clear of the drop zone.

"He is focused, his attention was good. He did a good job and he looks after himself," added Dyche.

"The biggest thing overall I am pleased with, which goes beyond results, is that we have got a group of players who are professionally so diligent, that when their moment comes, they are ready.

"I can't impress enough how important that is. Because players, when they are out of the side, particularly if it is a while, they can get disgruntled and life can become difficult, and if you start looking for excuses, then you will find them.

"But to stay true to the cause and part of the group, and look for the things that are going to work and get you back in the side, which is usually high professionalism and high quality performances in training and in games when you are needed, I take massive value in that and in the group we have got."