WADE Elliott believes that Nathan Dyer can do for Burnley what Jermain Defoe did for Bournemouth.

Clarets boss Steve Cotterill has already likened the on-loan Southampton winger to Defoe, who enjoyed a scintillating season playing alongside Elliott and Garreth O'Connor at Dean Court five years ago.

And Elliott, who now finds himself in direct competition with Dyer at Turf Moor, agrees there are similarities between Burnley's teenage loan signing and the former West Ham striker, who went on to earn a £7m move to Spurs and 15 England caps.

"Without wanting to put any pressure on Nathan, he's definitely a player with massive potential, "insisted Elliott.

"He's similar in character to Jermain and although he's only 5ft 6in tall he's more than capable of looking after himself.

"He's an impact player and opposition teams will always be looking to nullify his threat. They will look at him and make first impressions because of his size, but he's strong and wiry and has shown that he's a tough lad."

Dyer, who scored on his Clarets debut against Millwall a week ago, remained on the bench for last weekend's madcap game at Luton Town, which saw Burnley pick up their third successive league win despite being reduced to 10-men following Brian Jensen's first half dismissal.

But Elliott saw more than enough in his second half display against the Lions to convince him that Dyer can be a big hit at Turf Moor.

"The effect he had against Millwall reminded me of the buzz that went round Dean Court when Jermain was playing for Bournemouth," he added.

"It was a terrific debut and he can definitely raise the tempo of a game for us. He's quick and tricky and shows no fear and when Millwall backed off and gave him a yard, he struck the ball really well for his goal."

Meanwhile, Elliott says Burnley can enjoy their mini-break after amassing 18 points out of a possible 24, which has rocketed the Clarets to the fringes of the Championship play-off places.

"It was terrific going to Luton and getting a result and being able to draw a line under the recent period," insisted the 26-year-old wide man.

"Nobody wanted to go into the break stewing over a bad result, especially after back to back home wins. We can be pleased with what we have achieved and enjoy this little break to re-charge and reassess things before coming back refreshed and raring to go again."