KEVIN McDonald’s former mentor believes comparisons between the young midfielder and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira aren’t too far off the mark.

Gunners’ fans who witnessed the 20-year-old’s match-winning performance in Burnley’s Carling Cup quarter final win in midweek have likened him to the France international.

And Ray Faringham, who coached McDonald at his former club Dundee, said: “I can see where these Arsenal fans are coming from.

“Kevin’s certainly not unlike Vieira. He has the height, physical presence and raw natural ability for a start.

“Now he's added a goalscoring side to his game he's the complete midfield player, and for a midfielder to be chipping in with so many goals in the modern-day game makes him a bit of a gem.

“I was off my seat as he stuck away the two against Arsenal and couldn't be more happy for him.

“He deserves all the praise he's getting, but Kevin won't let it go to his head.”

And Faringham admitted that McDonald made the right choice in moving from Dens Park to Turf Moor in the summer.

“A lot of eyebrows were raised when Kevin signed for Burnley amid interest from a lot of bigger clubs,” he said.

“Burnley are not the most fashionable club but they are still very big with loads of potential. Over the years some Scottish players have gone down to England at a young age and unfortunately got lost.

“It was a sensible move for all concerned and the benefits are there to be seen.

“If he keeps improving at this rate who's to say where he'll end up?

“Kevin's got the lot and it's really just down to him to carry on doing the things he's doing and he won't go far wrong."”

Burnley winger Chris Eagle's impressive perfor-mances throughout Nov-ember have earned him a nomination in the PoweradePlayer of the Month awards.

Eagles goes up against Chris Iwelumo (Wolves), Kevin Doyle (Reading) and James Beattie (Sheffield United).

The winner will be announced on the Big League Weekend 2 on Sky Sports 1 on Monday evening at approx 7pm.