Clarets legend Ralph Coates reckons current Turf Moor hero Chris Eagles can go on to scale the heights of English football – and says he can see a little bit of himself in Burnley’s 24-year-old wide boy.

Former Manchester United starlet Eagles is in the form of his life and inspired Burnley to Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Barnsley, scoring twice to once again capture the headlines with another dizzying display.

And Coates, who played more than 200 times for both the Clarets and Tottenham as well as winning four England caps, is thrilled for a player who rolls back the years with a style that fans want to watch.

“I am delighted for Chris, really made up with the way he is playing,” said the 64-year-old. “He is a smashing player and the way he goes about the game reminds me a little of me in my younger days.

“I used to get on the wing and cross for Andy Lochhead and Willie Irvine and they used to do the business – and Chris is crossing for big Chris Iwelumo, who reminds me of a modern day Lochhead.

“Those two players alone provide the nucleus of a team and Burnley’s results are feeling the benefit just now.”

Eagles is deter-mined to hit double figures in goals this season and is just one behind his best seasonal tally of seven.

And that aspect of his game is, according to Coates, what can give Eagles the edge.

“I don’t have many regrets from my playing days,” he said. “But I wish I had scored more goals.

“Chris is doing that this season and with a goal threat and that tricky ability out wide you have one heck of a player.

“The fans want to see players like that. You don’t see it all that often in the modern game but anyone who likes football would pay to watch a winger in full flow. It is what football used to be about and there are only two in the Premier League like Eagles: Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott.

“And to be honest Eagles is just as good as those two when he is on his day – but he needs to find consistency.

“That is the key. If Chris can discover that secret then there is no stopping him, he can go as far as he wishes in the game.

“And he can certainly help Burnley back to the top.”