SEAN Dyche reserved praise for Ben Mee and the rest of his central defenders as he paid tribute to Michael Keane's international breakthrough.

Keane played both games for England during the international break and Dyche said he was delighted with how the 24-year-old had performed against Germany and Lithuania.

But he was also keen to highlight the development of the rest of his defenders, especially Mee who as played every minute of this Premier League campaign alongside Keane.

"I think Ben goes under the radar slightly more," said Dyche. "But I think Ben’s delivered very good performances this season.

"They’ve had to as well, because Tarky’s been knocking on the door. He’s a very good centre-half. Kevin (Long) was injured mid-season, but I’m really pleased with work they’ve both done. There’s a good group there.

"We never get ideas above our station, but for a club like Burnley, we’ve got four really, really good centre-halves there. I think it’s a really competitive group. I’m pleased with all of them in different ways."

Dyche said Keane's dream week with the Three Lions would add to his belief.

"He's a pretty level kind of player really. His mentality is pretty solid, I don't think he'll overthink it he'll add it to his experience and belief," he said.

“I've never looked on him as short of belief. I think this will add to it, I just think it's part of his maturation as a player, how goes about business on the pitch.

“The biggest thing is wearing the shirt. That feeling of playing for your national side, putting on the shirt and going out there in such a tough first game, that can only add to what he's becoming and that's a very good player.

"That inner belief grows a little bit but he's been going along well anyway. I don't think it'll boost him necessarily because he's been performing."