Burnley boss Owen Coyle was delighted for David Nugent after their 3-1 win over Sunderland.

The on-loan Portsmouth striker struck twice and Coyle said: "I've always had the greatest belief in David as a top-class player and that's why we've brought him in.

"His two finishes were top class and he has got to use them as a stepping stone. I would love to have him permanently and as long as he's happy I'm sure he can keep producing on the pitch.

"I speak to David on a daily basis but although he's getting stronger I didn't think he was quite ready for 90 minutes. Having said that I told him he still had a big role to play."

Coyle was particularly delighted with the way his side hit back from last week's Anfield mauling by Liverpool and said it once again vindicated the Clarets' style of play.

Coyle added: "The best thing for me is that we've really answered a lot of critics who, after losing at Chelsea and Liverpool, questioned the way we play.

"They want to know if we're going to change our style but I tell them no, we're going to persist in trying to pass the ball because banging it around is not what we're about.

"We're under no illusions about what this season is going to be but it's a challenge. There's an energy, a hunger and a desire to win games and long may that continue."