BURNLEY striker Sam Vokes has hailed Kieran Trippier as the best full back outside of the Premier League.

Trippier, who has been in fine form for the Clarets this season, has set up 11 Championship goals for the Clarets – including Vokes’ first in the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

And the Welsh international, who has 18 goals this season, believes the 23-year-old’s combination of attacking quality and defensive stability makes him among the best in the Football League.

When asked if Trippier was the best Championship full back back, Vokes said: “I think so. He’s been great,” he said.

“He got in the Championship team of the year last year, and he’s up there again.

“He’s topped his all-time assists and for a striker he’s fantastic,” said the 24-year-old.

“For the (first) goal he put a ball in that’s awkward for defenders – between the centre half and goalkeeper – for us forwards we can just gamble on that and go for it.

“I couldn’t even tell you how he did that piece of skill before the cross. For a fullback to do that and get the assists he does, it’s great.”

Vokes, who took a pass from Ben Mee before scoring his second against Forest, added: “To have full backs like we have that push on, and the two full backs getting my assists was fantastic and it shows the intent the squad’s got to go forward.”

According to Football League statistics, Trippier has 11 league assists this season putting him second out of all 92 clubs – one behind Nottingham Forest’s Andy Reid, who leads the standings with 12.

Meanwhile, the Burnley forward has urged his strike partner Danny Ings not to be disappointed about his scoring streak coming to an end.

Before the visit of Forest top scorer Ings had not gone more than two games without a goal.

The 21-year-old drew a blank against Billy Davies’ fifth placed side, despite a number of chances breaking for him in the second half.

Vokes understood his frustration, but urged Ings to look at the many positives of his performance, and specifically his phenomenal scoring record.

“I know Danny’s a bit frustrated because he had a couple of chances but I think the work-rate he put in was fantastic and helped with that,” said Vokes.

“I just had a word with him and said ‘don’t be frustrated’. He’s top of the goalscoring charts and he’s been fantastic this year. The work rate he put in to help me in my goals and the overall team, it’s great.”

Vokes, who netted twice against Forest, added: “It’s good to get on the scoresheet again and keep ticking them off, but from the lads behind me it was a great overall performance.”