BURNLEY will benefit from Joe Hart's winning mentality, believes his former Manchester City teammate Vincent Kompany.

Hart returned to the Etihad Stadium for the first time since his departure on Saturday but it was an unhappy reunion as the Clarets suffered a 5-0 defeat.

The 31-year-old made a couple of eye-catching saves against his old club and impressed City skipper Kompany with the Belgian having nothing but praise for the Clarets keeper.

And he believes Sean Dyche's side will be a better team for having Hart in it - both on and off the pitch.

"You take away what you see on the pitch, his ability to stop goals - Joe is a winner," said Kompany.

"He's always been a massive personality and voice. Having him in your team makes a difference by his presence. That's the side that people have never really gotten to understand.

"In a team like he's in today, you can see the lads fighting for each other, a togetherness. He's able to lift that team."

Hart kept out Sergio Aguero and David Silva with fine first half stops and was given a rousing reception on his return to a club where he spent 12 years and won two Premier League titles.

"He was paramount to his team, he made some incredible saves on the line," added Kompany.

"I can only re-iterate how much of a legend he is for this club (City).

"It can't be under-estimated what an impact he's had on helping to build this place and make it what it's become today.

"You see his talent shine through in a goal where he's used to playing an important part.

"I want him to do well and he looks like he's happy. that's the main thing."

Kompany could perhaps count himself fortunate not to have been sent off in the first minute of the weekend clash when he caught Aaron Lennon with a high and late challenge.

Burnley boss Dyche certainly felt the tackle merited a red card but the Belgian said of the incident: "It certainly wasn't on purpose. It's happening a bit blindside. I think I got my studs on his leg, but it's the ball, I think I got it, and luckily he wasn't injured so that's the main thing."