Dyche: Dwight Can be Smiles Better

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2021-04-10T08:25:44.912Z

Dyche: Dwight Can be Smiles Better

2021-04-10T08:25:44.912Z

Sean Dyche has urged Dwight McNeil to be smiles better as the winger clocks up 100 Burnley appearances.

The 21-year-old winger hits the milestone against Newcastle United this weekend, almost three years since he was thrust into the spotlight.

And after becoming an integral part of the first team, Dyche feels he can become an even better player if he lightens the load of self-expectation.

“I’ve been incredibly impressed with Dwight. He’s just recently had his first spell out through injury, but to stay in the team for so long and to play week in and week out is amazing for a young player in modern football," said the Clarets boss.

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“He continues to improve and the demand I have on him is to simply smile a bit more because he takes himself very seriously at times and beats himself up about situations when he hasn’t done so well.

“I just want him to relax a little bit more and play with a smile, because he’s a very talented player who just loves playing.

“It’s rare he misses any training, or games, and he just wants to be out there, so we just let him get on with it.”

England U21 international McNeil will line up against United at Turf Moor with the aim of adding to his two goals this season – the last a screamer at Everton before the recent extended international break.

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And following Fulham’s home defeat to Wolves on Friday night, the Clarets can take a giant stride towards security if they can gain revenge for their defeat on Tyneside back in October.

“Every game makes a story, but it’s a points game and that’s what’s really important now,” said Dyche.

“The league has a way of working and that’s to get enough points on the table and our focus will remain on that.”

Fulham’s latest defeat will also have been welcomed at St James’ Park, with Newcastle remaining three points ahead of the Cottagers in the table with games running out.

But Dyche insists the growing pressure on Steve Bruce will not detract his good friend from the task of keeping United in the Premier League.

“There always seems to be a big expectation at Newcastle, but Steve is a very good manager in my opinion and a good bloke too,” said the Clarets boss.

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“He is well-rounded in his views on football management and I don’t think there is such a thing as unfair in management anymore.

“Everyone is fair game and you take everything that comes your way. Society is changing in how people treat you, so we just have to roll with the punches.

“Steve gets a few knocks along the way and he can deal with that and he’ll stay focused on the job in hand.

“The bottom line is they are still a Premier League side and we have to be ready to perform.

“They are a good outfit with a very good manager so we have to be on top of our performance and the main focus is on us, I can assure you.”

Clarets+ will have live commentary from Turf Moor from 11.45am, with Andy Payton joining Phil Bird in commentary.