FLYING winger Nathan Dyer admits his brief loan spell with Burnley kick-started his career.

Dyer, 18, scored twice for the Clarets during a successful five-game stint last year, netting in home wins over Millwall and Crewe.

He came to East Lancashire while Harry Redknapp was in charge of the Saints and was re-called once George Burley took the reins.

The teenager is now established at St Mary's and, having started Southampton's last three Championship matches, will be poised to figure against Burnley tomorrow.

But Dyer revealed that his short time spent with the Clarets was invaluable.

"Burnley are the club that gave me the chance to play in the Championship," he said.

"The staff, the manager and the players made me welcome.

"For me it was a matter of putting myself out and showing our manager at the time, Harry Redknapp, I could play in the Championship, and hopefully to come back and play for Southampton.

"It was a good time and I thank them for giving me the chance.

"It kick-started my career to be honest.

"I had a couple more weeks left when George Burley came in and he brought me back. It was nice to know he wanted me in the squad and felt I was part of the team."

Dyer knows what to expect when he comes up against Steve Cotterill's men in a battle between the Championship's third and fourth-placed sides.

He added: "They're a hard working team and that's what the manager likes."