NATHAN Dyer scored the goal which condemned Burnley to back-to-back defeats, but believes they have got what it takes to survive.

It was with the Clarets that the Swansea winger made his full Football League debut as a 17-year-old in November 2005.

It was on his 100th Premier League appearance on Saturday that his first goal of the season proved enough to beat them at the Liberty Stadium.

But Dyer has backed his old club to bounce back from a difficult start, including an opening day defeat to Chelsea.

“Burnley were my team when I was 17 and I’ve got a lot of love for them. Hopefully they can do well. They’ve got good players but it’s always hard when you first come up,” he said.

“We got beat (4-0) against Manchester City in our first game.

“It’s going to be a hard year but I’m sure they can stay up.

“They came up before and went back down but I’m sure they’ve got a bit more ammunition this time and they know what it’s like to play in the Premier League, so I’m sure they can stay up.”

Dyer sees Danny Ings as a key man for the Clarets.

“He’s a very good player. As much as they can give him the ball and get him in the right areas he’ll score goals. He looks confident and secure,” said the 26-year-old, who of his time at Turf Moor, added: “I’ll always be massively grateful for the opportunity.

"The first (full) league game I played was for Burnley and I’m grateful that they gave me the chance. They helped me come through as a footballer so I’ll always have gratitude for them.

“One of the boys, Michael Duff was there when I was there so I’m pleased to see him and hopefully they can do well.”