MATEJ Vydra has earned praise for the way he handled what manager Sean Dyche described as a “difficult” decision.

The Burnley boss’s preference for a 4-4-2 formation meant for a tough call once top scorer Chris Wood returned to fitness.

Wood and Ashley Barnes started the season, but when Wood joined his strike partner on the sidelines last month it meant for a complete change of attack, with Jay Rodriguez and Vydra leading the line.

And Czech front man Vydra responded well with back-to-back goals in wins over Southampton, where he came off the bench, and Bournemouth – his first start for more than a year. That led to him keeping his place for the trip to Newcastle. But a goalless draw prompted Dyche to recall Wood, who marked his return to the line-up with a goal in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham at Turf Moor on Saturday.

“It was difficult,” said the Burnley boss.

“I stood by Vyds last week when Woody was coming back from his hamstring and there was a moment in time of do you play him or not?

“I thought he (Wood) came on and affected the game at Newcastle and I think he was effective again (against Tottenham), particularly first half. I thought him and Jay Rod were good.”

Vydra came off the bench against Spurs, replacing Rodriguez in the second half, and came close to grabbing a winner against Jose Mourinho's side

“I am really pleased with Vyds,” added Dyche. “He took the decision well and came in and affected the game so it is really, really nice to have three firing and Barnesy not too far away.”

Barnes has not played since the New Year’s Day defeat against Aston Villa, when he was withdrawn at half-time.

The striker has recovered from a hernia operation and last week returned to first team training.