Lafferty made his Burnley debut against Crewe in August 2005 (Getty)

Burnley boss Owen Coyle has revealed he is keen to protect young Northern Ireland international striker Kyle Lafferty from press intrusion.

Celtic were reported to have had a �3m bid for the 20-year-old turned down earlier in the season, and Fulham and Wolves have also failed with bids.

Coyle told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I felt [the press intrusion] was quite intensive and there was no let up.

"We've now got him focused on football and he's shown what he can do."

I think if you look at the fact that we're still in there pitching it speaks volumes for the players Burnley manager Owen Coyle

Lafferty has scored 10 goals in 87 appearances since joining Burnley in July 2005.

His first competitive international goal came in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Liechtenstein.

Coyle also reckons Burnley's continuing promotion challenge has boosted the feelgood factor around Turf Moor.

"I think if you look at the fact that we're still in there pitching it speaks volumes for the players.

"Regardless of what football club you're at there's always going to be a fine balance between expectation and realism. When you win matches the expectations rise that you can get yourself in among the elite."