CLARETS manager Owen Coyle says David Unsworth is a shining example of the spirit in the Burnley squad.

With the defence depleted by injuries to captain Steven Caldwell and Michael Duff, the rearguard is already down to the bare bones.

Unsworth picked up a neck injury against Watford in midweek and compounded the problem when dealing with second-half pressure at Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

But the experienced central defender battled through the pain barrier to help the Clarets record two impressive away wins.

"David Unsworth probably had no right to play the last two games. He hurt his neck at Watford and carried on, and then again on Saturday," said Coyle.

"Probably a lesser man would have stayed indoors, and I mean that's all credit to him, that's why he's been a top player all his career because he looks after himself, and he's got that heart and that desire and he's showing that for Burnley - and I've got nothing but plaudits for David Unsworth for that attitude.

"It just showed that he's a real team player.

"He's whole-hearted and I love that type of player because he wears his heart on his sleeve and you know exactly what you're getting from him. Give me that every week and I'll be delighted.

"I said to him after that game (at Charlton) that he was an absolute credit to himself. He was struggling before the game and he came in and said I'll go out there for you gaffer'. I couldn't have asked for any more.

"He took a bad knock in the second half and we had James O'Connor stripped and ready to come on and Chris McCann to drop back. But Unsy said No, there's 15-20 minutes, I'll soldier on for you'.

"You can't ask any more than that never-say-die attitude, added to the fact that he's a very, very accomplished player."

Unsworth isn't the only player who Coyle will seek to protect and preserve ahead of tonight's game, with several players picking up knocks in the last two outings.

Those affected have not been named by the Clarets boss, for fear of alerting Leicester to any potential weaknesses.

But, after two long trips to the capital and an action-packed December, with tonight's game the second of eight games this month, Coyle is keen to protect his entire squad.

"We're in and out of games very quickly and what's important in that is that we don't pick up too many injuries and the lads are feeling 100 per cent both mentally and physically," he said.

"We'll temper the training a little bit and we'll make sure their heads are trained in and we know how we want to go about it.

"I expect a similar game every week in this Championship - a very, very tough fixture, playing against a good side, and Leicester will provide that.

"They'll come here desperate to get three points but equally we'll be looking to get the three points and show the home fans how good we've been on our travels and bring that home to Turf Moor."