BURNLEY manager Owen Coyle is predicting big things for striker Kyle Lafferty.

A former forward himself and a prolific goalscorer in his days both north and south of the border, Coyle has only been working with the Clarets squad for just over a week now.

But he has seen enough of Northern Ireland international Lafferty to know that he can achieve big things in the game.

The 20-year-old has already attracted the attentions of Fulham and Championship rivals Wolves, while it is well documented that Scottish Premier League giants Celtic were also keen to secure his services in the January transfer window.

And Coyle admitted he wasn't surprised by the interest in the youngster.

He said: "I think he's got a big, big future and I'm really enjoying working with him since I came in. Hopefully we can add a little bit of craft to everything he's got, and I've got no doubts he can go on to be a top, top player."

Lafferty was substituted in the midweek win over table-toppers Watford at Vicarage Road after suffering an injury early on.

But Coyle revealed he was surprised that he lasted so long and thought he was unlucky not to score.

He added: "Kyle got a straight kick to the calf, but I've got nothing but praise for the kid because he could have very easily come off after about 20-25 minutes, but he said no, I'm fine gaffer, I'll stay on', and I love that.

"Obviously we don't want it to be that he then puts himself out for two or three weeks, but the fact he didn't want to leave that pitch, he wanted to stay on and play his part for the team, and he was very unlucky not to score.

"And I love the fact that the composure he showed when he was through on goal - it was something I was speaking to him about.

"What I loved was the fact that Kyle showed the composure when through on goal to try to slide it in the corner.

"Fingers crossed he'll be okay for Saturday. Hopefully, if he's able to train today he'll be in the reckoning."