BURNLEY manager Owen Coyle has hinted that he wouldn't stand in the way of Kyle Lafferty developing his career at a higher level.

The Clarets boss is a huge admirer of the Northern Ireland international, and knows he could face a battle to keep hold of the 20-year-old once the transfer window opens in January.

Following previous approaches from Celtic and tomorrow's opponents Wolverhampton Wanderers, Lafferty has also this year been the subject of three bids from Fulham.

Burnley resisted on each occasion, even when the offer was raised to £3million at the Cottagers' last attempt to reunite Lafferty with his former international manager, Lawrie Sanchez.

But Coyle knows there may come a time when the Enniskillen-born star, as well as team-mate Chris McCann, want to develop their careers away from Turf Moor.

"You're always keen to keep your best players, and the effort the lads are giving me you want to keep each and every one of them, that goes without saying," he said.

"But football being football, if you're doing well, it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if other clubs are looking at Burnley and saying they've got two or three very good players.

"I think that's all credit to the players.

"As a club, you don't want to lose your best players, but equally there comes a time when business kicks in.

"I'm delighted with the squad we've got, I'm looking to develop that and add to that if and when we need, so we don't want to lose any players.

"But I have to say, if a young player can go and further his career and it's in the best interests of Burnley Football Club, then that's something the club will look at.

"I've always been a great believer that you're looking for everybody to develop; individuals, young players, at the age they're at, if they can go on and eventually play at that top level.

"Young McCann has the attributes to play at the very highest level, and again Kyle Lafferty has so many attributes to play at that top level.

"But I do think it wouldn't do them any harm to have another year here with Burnley and develop."

And Coyle hopes, that under his guidance, they can become even better.

"I'm excited to work with them," he said.

"Hopefully I can add that little bit of composure at the end of Kyle's good work, and if we do that then he's going to develop further again, and then he'll take some stopping because of everything he's got in his locker.

"He's got pace, physique, comfortable with the ball, can go off both sides, and if we can add just that little bit of composure in the final third I think you've got the makings of a top, top player."