SCOTT Arfield believes Burnley’s assist king Kieran Trippier is destined for big things in the years to come.

Arfield and Trippier have proved an effective partnership on the right flank this season and will hope to combine once more when the Clarets host Blackpool tomorrow afternoon.

Trippier produced his eighth assist of the season to set up Danny Ings’ equaliser at Leicester in Burnley’s last match, earning the man of the match award.

The 23-year-old was voted the Championship’s best right back last season and Arfield cannot see anyone to challenge Trippier for that honour this term either.

“I personally don’t think so,” said the Scot.

“When I came to the club at the start of the season I thought that as soon as I saw him in training on the first day.

“He’s gone from strength to strength this year and he’s a pleasure to play with.

“He’s different class and he makes your job so much easier.

“The way that I play, trying to come into the middle of the park, it lets Tripps go and do his thing, and he got another assist at Leicester.

“I think that was his eighth assist of the season. For a right back that just speaks volumes.

“Personally I think he can play at a higher level.

“It’s not just ability, it’s his mental strength. He puts demands on himself and goes and plays as well as he does every week.”

Trippier has twice as many assists as any other Burnley player this season, with Danny Ings and Junior Stanislas each setting up four goals.

The former Manchester City youngster also provided assists for 11 goals last season, many for the now departed Charlie Austin.

Arfield hopes Trippier’s performances will play a part in entire squad reaching the top flight next season, and victory over Blackpool could put the Clarets in a strong position – with QPR and Leicester playing each other tomorrow.

The midfielder has impressed too since arriving at Turf Moor in the summer, after being released by Huddersfield Town.

Having started his career at Falkirk, Arfield has represented Scotland under 19s and under 21s as well as playing for the Scotland B team.

A first senior cap has not yet arrived but the 25-year-old hopes he can force himself into contention with his performances for Burnley.

“It’s all happened so quickly here, I think I missed the first three league games and then established myself in the first team so I’ve not really had time to think about it,” Arfield said of his international prospects.

“But it’s an ambition, something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I made 17 appearances for the under 21s and enjoyed every one of them. If it was to happen I’d be absolutely delighted.

“The strongest part of the Scotland squad is the midfield, so if you do manage to get an appearance in there you’re doing something right.”

* York City expect Luke O’Neill to return to Turf Moor at the end of his three-month loan spell in the New Year.

The League Two club believe they will not be able to afford to sign the player on a permanent basis.