Clarets boss welcomes loan man Kightly to Turf Moor

The 27-year-old former Wolves winger will join up with his new Turf Moor team mates on Thursday after the players return from a two-day bonding trip in Scotland.

And Dyche was delighted to be reunited with Kightly, who he worked with while at Watford.

He said: “We used Michael out wide before, but he has great quality and ability, so it wouldn’t surprise me if we can use him in a number of roles.

“Carrying a small squad, versatility is always key, but the main thing here is that we have to consider a player of his quality coming to our club.”

There was a lot of interest in Kightly, and he added: “There were a lot of other clubs who thought they could land him and he has chosen us, which is great, especially having worked with us before and knowing how we operate.

“Now he wants to come and enjoy himself at Burnley and play some football.”

The deal went through just before the transfer window closed on Monday night, and Dyche was grateful to Stoke for their cooperation: “We must thank Stoke City and Mark Hughes for allowing their player to come and join us.

“I know Michael well, having have worked with him before, and he is a player with really good energy.

“Married with that is his obvious quality, both in terms of scoring goals and being a supplier from out wide.

“He has a lot of experience behind him, including games in the Premier League, and is a player I think can help us to progress further as a team.”