BURNLEY manager Owen Coyle has thanked Cameroon boss Paul Le Guen for allowing Andre Bikey to put club before country.

The powerful defensive midfielder is expected to be called up to the Indomitable Lions’ for their African Cup of Nations campaign in January.

The timing of a pre-tournament training camp clashes with the Clarets game against Everton on December 28 and their FA Cup third round tie on January 2.

But former Rangers boss Le Guen has told Bikey to stay at Turf Moor until preparations for their first Group D game against Gabon, on January 13, begin in earnest.

“Paul Le Guen has been very understanding, which is great because it gives us longer than we thought we had with him (Bikey),” said Coyle.

“When you sign international players, you know they could be involved in tournaments such as the African Nations, and that’s one of the downfalls, but you can’t mump and moan about bringing quality players to the club.

“In terms of his overall development, playing in the African Nations and the World Cup can only help him, when you look at the competition, the elite players in the world play in them, and he could be mixing with them.

“I would suggest for any player, the pinnacle of their career would be to grace that stage, and now he has to deliver for Burnley to make sure he’s part of that group, and that’s extra motivation for him.”

Of Bikey’s willingness to put his international ambitions on hold, Coyle added: “It shows his level of commitment, how well he's enjoying it, how much he wants to keep delivering for the club.

“He was outstanding at centre back, and with Chris McCann’s injury, he’s helped us out in the middle of the park and looked accomplished.”

But the Scot believes there is plenty more to come from the 24-year-old, who could become the first Burnley player to compete in the World Cup finals since Billy Hamilton and Tommy Cassidy represented Northern Ireland in 1982, after Cameroon secured their place in the tournament earlier this month.

“He could play anywhere, he has so much pace, power and ability,” Coyle continued.

“He has it in him to improve. Sometimes there will be the odd moment that maybe he feels the game’s too easy for him, and he has to be focused and concentrate for the whole match.

“If he does, the world’s his oyster because everybody in football at the top level, outwith the ability they have, they look for the pace and power that goes with it, and that’s why people play consistently at the top level for years.

“He has that. Right foot, left foot, good in the air, quick; he has everything in his locker.”