Burnley manager Sean Dyche has praised the work of Ashley Westwood in the second half of the season. The former Aston Villa midfielder shone in the recent 3-1 win at Bournemouth.
He scored and assisted a goal in the first half to give the Clarets a huge boost in their quest for Premier League survival.
Dyche was in a buoyant mood after the win, greeting the press conference with a beaming smile and asking how the Grand National had gone; it hadn’t yet started.
The Clarets boss waxed lyrical about his entire teams efforts in the comfortable win, pointing out Matt Lowton who had come into the team after nearly three months playing understudy to Phil Bardsley.
Lowton took his chance in an impressive performance, seeing off the threat of Ryan Fraser on Bournemouth’s wing and will hope to keep his place when Bardsley returns from an injury suffered in training, gashing his leg on a splayed piece of wood in a 5-a-side game.
Left back Charlie Taylor was another who was given a glowing report by Dyche, who cited that the full back is ever improving in the role and becoming a vital part of the side during their impressive run since the turn of the year.
But special praise was left for Westwood, as Dyche sat up when talking about the central midfielder, like a proud father. He admitted that the first half of the season was a struggle for everyone, but that he never doubted the commitment, work ethic or desire of his players. All traits shown by Westwood in his man of the match performance.
“Lowton was steady, [he]did a good job. I think the two centre halves, again, diligent and calm in their performances. Charlie Taylor continues to improve, Dwight obviously. Midfield two, excellent. I meant Westwood again, is having a fine second half to the season”
Westwood’s goal against Bournemouth was his first of the season, but added to his five assists with that corner for Chris Woods opener. Dyche will be hoping his form can continue in the coming weeks to help his side guarentee safety and Premier League football next season.