Burnley's Jimmy Dunne is getting all the help he needs!

The 22-year-old centre back confirmed that he has a strong support group at Turf Moor with the likes of boss Sean Dyche, captain Ben Mee, James Tarkowski and fellow Irishman Kevin Long all contributing towards his education in the game.

Dunne, who earned a couple of caps for the Republic of Ireland's Under 21s, had experienced first-team football during previous loan spells with Barrow, Accrington Stanley, Hearts, Sunderland and Fleetwood Town.

But he made a significant step up when making his debut for the club in the Carabao Cup win over Sheffield United before impressing in Sunday's defeat to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

“I’m very lucky to have the experienced players around me at the club who often talk to me and lead me through it, so I’m very fortunate to have that," he said.

“The gaffer was a centre-back and I’ve got James Tarkowski, Ben Mee – the skipper – and I get to play alongside an Irish international in Longy, so I’m very fortunate in that way. I’ve got all the guidance I need.

“It’s difficult for young players and probably especially for defenders to get opportunities at this level so you have to take them when they come.

“The squad is a bit tight at the minute with injuries and lack of numbers which does provide opportunities for me to get in there and show what I’m made of."

Dunne's top flight debut concluded with mixed emotions after the defender scored against the Foxes to give the Clarets hope.

He beat James Justin to Dwight McNeil's set-piece in the 73rd minute to head the ball beyond Kasper Schmeichel and make it 3-2.

However, the hosts restored their two-goal advantage just six minutes later and secured the points when Dennis Praet's effort from the edge of the box flew past Nick Pope.

Dunne said: “The day before the cup game I found out I was playing and in the build-up to this game I found through the work we were doing.

“I settled my head to prepare myself, get the basics right and work hard in the week.

“I was delighted enough as it was to get a starting place in a game like this, obviously being important at the start of the season for us.

“To get a goal is overwhelming, in some ways. The result didn’t go as planned but there’s lots to take away from it and lots to learn.

“As happy as I am, the result is a little bit disappointing and a lot to improve on."

Dyche's squad is down to the bare bones, with Robbie Brady the latest player to pick up an injury in the call of duty.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson was stretchered off against the Blades while Mee, Tarkowski, Jack Cork and Ashley Barnes have all spent some time on the sidelines.

Dunne, though, believes the group have got enough spirit to see them through before the cavalry arrives.

“This squad we have is relentless," he said. "I’ve seen that from being around it. The spirit is unbelievable, so it won’t really push us back too much.

“I know there’s lots we will look at needing to improve on, but we’ll be absolutely fine. The spirit is absolutely tremendous, so we’ll crack on.”