Former England Under-21 international Jack Cork has praised the managerial ability of Sean Dyche with the midfielder saying the English tactician is “one of the best at the minute”.

Dyche took charge of Burnley back in 2012 and he has led the club from the Championship, twice, to ensure the team are now an established Premier League team.

The Clarets are currently sitting seventh in the table following Monday’s 1-0 home win against Newcastle United and there’s just three points separating them to defending champions Chelsea in fourth.

His impressive work at Turf Moor has not gone unnoticed and the 46-year-old, who was linked with the Leicester City job before Claude Puel was appointed, is said to be leading the race for the vacant Everton position.

Former England and Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce is believed to be in a two-way battle with Dyche for the role at Goodison Park and Cork has revealed the effect the latter has had on him.

“He’s done a great job on probably a tighter budget than most clubs.

He deserves all the praise that he’s getting, he’s been great with me since I came here and I’m really enjoying working with him,” he said.

“The job he has done is unbelievable and he’s building on that. He’s one of the best at the minute.”

Burnley return to action on Saturday when they make the trip to St Mary’s to take on a Southampton side that are unbeaten in three and have climbed to 10th in the standings.

The Saints are 1.67 favourites to clinch all three points, a draw is priced at 3.75 while the visitors are 6.00 outsiders to record back-to-back wins.