Burnley winger Dwight McNeil has the world at his feet but must always play with a smile, says his manager Sean Dyche.
McNeil is poised for his 50th Premier League appearance on Saturday at Newcastle after making his first-team breakthrough last season.
“His future is open to him,” Dyche said. “He’s racking up the games, he’s a young player.
“I marvel at the ease with which he plays, especially when his shoulders are back and he’s in confident mood and he’s playing with a smile, which I want him to do.
“We’ll see, but I feel he’s a very top player for his age and a top talent for his age and he should certainly be spoken about as one of the top young players in this country at this moment in time.”
The England Under-21 international has started every league game this season and followed up his assist for Matej Vydra’s opening goal in last week’s 3-0 home win against Bournemouth with a fine solo goal.
“The only real pressure on Dwight is to smile and enjoy his football,” Dyche added. “That’s it in a nutshell.
“It’s the only pressure I’ve put on him. Me and my staff have given him some guidance and some reassurance at times and his fellow players equally.
“But at his age – he’s rolling round the Premier League and he should be enjoying that, not taking on anything other than just being clear-minded and ready to deliver performances.
“That’s the message to him. Whether it’s here, in the dressing room or just before the game – get your shoulders back and go and show them what a good player you are.”
Victory at Newcastle – without a league win in four – would lift Dyche’s side above Wolves, who play at Tottenham on Sunday, and Arsenal, who are in FA Cup action at Portsmouth on Monday.
