SEAN Dyche has hailed the improving Dwight McNeil ahead of his likely England Under-21 debut tonight.

The Burnley winger is in Aidy Boothroyd’s squad for the friendly in Slovenia this evening with a second game to come against Austria at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes on Tuesday night as they return to European Championship qualifiers.

The 19-year-old was called up for the Under-21s during the last international break but was forced to pull out with injury.

McNeil, who has played for the Under-20s, has started all nine games in league and cup for the Clarets this season, with Dyche hailing his continued consistency after a breakthrough campaign last time around.

His latest impressive performance came against Everton on Saturday where he got the better of a duel with Toffees full back and Republic of Ireland international Seamus Coleman.

“Dwight was very good again, he continues to defy the logic of young players because when they go in they often have a quiet spell and it might still come but it hasn’t so far,” said Dyche after the Clarets’ victory on Saturday.

“His quality meant he has taken on a full back who has played hundreds of games in the Premier League and is an international player and gave him a challenge as he has done with many others.

“He is a very, very good player and continues to improve.”

McNeil is expected to feature for the young Three Lions having had more top flight experience that most in the squad.

That led to a second stint training with Gareth Southgate’s senior England squad at St George’s Park this week, the Three Lions in action in the Czech Republic tonight.

“There are players with different experience in this team,” McNeil told the Burnley website.

“I’ve got more than some others and then there’s people like (Everton’s) Tom Davies, who’s got loads of experience, and others who are playing week-in, week-out for Premier League or Championship clubs.

“I think it’s really good that we are bringing it together and hopefully we will do well in the next games.

“We’ll have to see what happens, but I hope I get my opportunity.”

England are top of their Euro 2021 qualifying group with Tuesday’s opponents Austria sitting in second, both teams having won their opening two games.