Burnley boss Sean Dyche has heaped praise on summer signing Steven Defour and is confident his character will rub off on the rest of his squad.

The Clarets, 1.67 to be relegated this season, paid £7.5million for his services in August as they tried to bolster their squad ahead of another tough campaign.

The former Anderlecht midfielder has made a bright start to his career in the Premier League after a tough spell in Belgium.

The former Standard Liege star was heavily criticised for joining the club’s rivals and Dyche believes the experience toughened him up.

He has been involved in four of Burnley’s five goals so far this season, scoring one and picking up three assists along the way.

Defour’s flexibility has allowed Dyche to alter his formation at times this season and the former Watford coach has heaped praise on the Belgian midfielder.

He told the Lancashire Telegraph: “He’s a good technician, it’s why we brought him here. He can deliver, pass and break up the play.

“He’s got a calmness to him and that extra belief from playing for Belgium, playing in big games, under tough circumstances sometimes when he moved to Anderlecht from Liege.

“It gives you a strength, and he’s got a strength of character, and strength to have the ball, want it and receive it, and that rubs off on others.

“He’s learning, he’s adapting and he’s getting used to the Premier League and the fitness levels required.”