KYLE Lafferty is in no doubt that team-mate and close friend Chris McCann is a key player for Burnley.

But the Northern Ireland international admits the 20-year-old might find it difficult to force his way straight back into the Clarets starting line-up after suspension.

McCann has sat out the last three games following his second-half sending off in the derby defeat to Preston just over a fortnight ago.

In his absence, Jon Harley and James O'Connor have shone as a central midfield partnership that began two games ago, with both John Spicer and Alan Mahon both unavailable through suspension and injury also.

And as a result, Lafferty believes manager Owen Coyle may have a headache with the option of reshuffling his midfield pack for today's trip to Blackpool - the first game of 2008.

"Chris came in this year and he's done superb. His work-rate's magnificent," said Lafferty.

"I don't want to say we've missed him but he definitely makes his mark on the team.

"Even though Harls is a left-sided player he's come in there, played two games in central midfield and he's done well, so it will be hard to drop him and Ginge (James O'Connor), but it's up to the manager.

"It will be a tough game at Blackpool, but the first game of a new year I think all the players will be up for it, and the staff."

Lafferty has thrived in the spotlight after emerging through the Turf Moor youth ranks with Chris McCann, but he's happy to have a new kid on the block after 18-year-old Jay Rodriguez made his debut at home to Bristol Rovers on Saturday as a late substitute.

"We've got a lot of players out. It can happen in any team, we just have to keep on working and training, and going into the games working for ourselves and each other," he said.

"But Jay's come in and I think, given the chance, he'll prove to everyone that he's worth a place in the team.

"I'm happy for him because he's been doing well in training and he's had his chance, came on and done well, and hopefully it's not the last time."