Dyche backs Ings for England

Ings was the best player on the pitch in a superlative display in a 3-1 win that somewhat flattered Manchester United.

Ings netted his ninth goal of the season so far, and amid claims Roy Hodgson is pondering a call-up for the friendly with Italy in Turin next month, Dyche admitted: “Ingsy was sensational, first class.

“People are making noises about England call ups, and I’ve played it down a little bit.

“But the way he’s playing at the moment, absolutely, I can see that. Their players (Manchester United) will know about him after that.”

If there were any doubts whatsoever over his commitment after frenzied speculation in January, Ings has dispelled them completely, as Dyche added: “He’s a very, very talented player, I’ve said it all along, I also said he’d get over the media speculation after Sunderland, and he has done.

“He was excellent Sunday and again here, his energy, his will, his quality, all the things you want in a player - he was excellent. He’s a young man and I take great pride in how he’s progressing.”

United and England captain said before the game: “Danny Ings is doing fantastically. He is scoring quite a few goals and his movement is really good.”

And Rooney - who at times found himself marking Ings in an anchor role - walked out for the second half with his arm around Ings - the respect there for all to see.

Dyche noted: “I think good players know good players, and I think Wayne’s been that young player.

“And by the looks of it he thinks, ‘yeah, you’ve got the type of attributes that it takes, and I think he has.

“I take great pride in our football club, to say he’s not going anywhere, and he hasn’t - we mean every word we said.

“He’s learning, and he’s in a very good environment.

“They can go to places too early and get swallowed up, but he plays every week, he loves what he does, he enjoys the training, the culture and the freedom he gets here, and he will continue to grow.”