Burnley boss Sean Dyche praises Jack Cork after midfielder's instrumental display in victory over Newcastle

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Sean Dyche feels midfielder Jack Cork is relishing being the main man at Burnley after a summer switch from Swansea.

The 28-year-old was instrumental in the Clarets' 1-0 victory over Newcastle on Monday night that moved Dyche's side up to seventh on his fifth anniversary as boss.

Cork has been an ever-present in the division having been brought to Turf Moor this summer for a fee that could rise up to £10million, and has covered more ground than any other top-flight player across the 10 games.

Burnley midfielder Jack Cork has proved himself an instrumental part of Sean Dyche's side

Having perhaps been overshadowed by others at previous clubs Southampton and Swansea, Dyche believes the ex-Chelsea trainee now has a platform to showcase his talent.

'I think he's enjoying his football, enjoying the group,' Dyche said.

'I liked him, obviously, before we bought him, but his game knowledge and his understanding of the Premier League probably shines more with us because he's a main player and looks like a main player.

'He looks like he has an importance level and handles that really well. He's adapted into the group almost seamlessly.

'I thought he was terrific again.'

Alongside Cork, Belgian midfielder Steven Defour has been reborn after a largely disappointing first season in England.

His international manager Roberto Martinez was in attendance at Turf Moor to witness a player he has not used in over a year, with Defour's evening ended by a groin strain that makes him a doubt for Burnley's final game before the international break against Southampton.

'He's got a tight groin and we managed to get him off pretty quick,' Dyche added.

'We try and be as diligent with injuries as we can. We have ultimate trust in the players and if he's saying he's got a tight groin then he has to come off. They know their bodies and we want that kind of professionalism.

'It's not easy for a player to do that but he's old enough and wise enough to know the difference. He's come off quickly and we hope that settles down. He's a good player.'

Had the Magpies mustered a win in east Lancashire, Rafael Benitez's side would be sixth in the standings.

Dyche saw his team record a 1-0 win over Newcastle United at Turf Moor on Monday evening

They remain in the top half despite the defeat and goalkeeper Rob Elliot is keen to look at the bigger picture.

Speaking to NUFC TV, he said: 'I've been here a long time now and after losing 1-0 and not playing our best, to be clapped off by all the travelling fans just shows where the club is at at the moment.

'All the players are hurting, they worked themselves into the ground but it just didn't come off for us. We were lacking a little bit of quality and clear-cut chances. The desire and hunger was there, everyone gave everything, it wasn't our night.

'We need to make sure we don't dwell on it too long but use that disappointment to push us into (the game against) Bournemouth.'