Burnley fullback Tyrone Mears says his spell in France with Olympique Marseille was the making of him.

The right-back has been the consistent star of Owen Coyle's top-half triumph since signing from Derby County after a couple of miserable years with the Rams and West Ham.

Mears said: "It was unbelievable to go there and it improved me as a player, it made me more composed on the ball. I had that aggressive and athletic side to my game which English players are known for, but the other side got better.

"I also changed my attitude. In previous seasons I was trying to stand out and be the best player in the team. Now I have realised you just have to do your job and hopefully that will be enough."

Mears is also benefiting from his relationship with boss Coyle after a fiery time under Paul Jewell at Derby and he explained why he - and so many others - are at their best under the young manager.

He said: "I have never known a manager like him before - he is so positive all of the time. Even when we lose he is in the next day, laughing and joking and picking us up."