The young Dubliner came of age over the summer, celebrating his 21st birthday in July.

And he is set for another milestone tomorrow, as he looks forward to what could be his 100th league appearance against Plymouth at Turf Moor.

McCann made his debut three years ago in the 4-0 home win over Coventry, and has developed into an integral part of the side.

And, as he takes more responsibility on his shoulders in terms of running games and scoring goals, he is relishing the challenge.

He is at the forefront of Owen Coyle's new-look side, where there is more emphasis on youth.

And he said ahead of his century of Championship games: "It's gone very quickly since my debut, but it's been a very enjoyable three years.

"I think I've matured more as a player and a person, playing with players like Alan Mahon, David Unsworth and Ade Akinbiyi, who have all been a great help in bringing me on.

"But it's great to have such a young squad now. There's a big responsibility on myself in midfield, but I enjoy that.

"It's going to be a big season for me, hopefully I'll get more games under my belt and keep progressing the way I have.

"Arguably it's my biggest season, people can't go on about me being young any more, it's time to step up to the plate, to get hold of games and drive the team on."

The Home Farm product certainly drove the Clarets on against Oldham on Tuesday, scoring the opening goal and setting the tempo in a comprehensive 3-0 win.

And with 12 goals now for the club, including five in his last two campaigns, he is hungry for more: "I was delighted to get on the scoresheet against Oldham, to get up and running. Hopefully I can get a few more.

"I could have had more so far this season, I was a bit wasteful in front of goal the other night, but I like getting into the box, trying to get on the end of things, and it's something the manager keeps telling me to do, to keep driving forward and supporting the front players.

"We can't just rely on Pato to score the goals, other people have to chip in."

Having started the season as one of two holding midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 formation, he has been handed more licence to get forward in the team's new shape in the last two games, alongside Kevin McDonald, with whom he has gelled on and off the field, and he feels the Scotland Under 21 international can go all the way to the top: "Kev's got a lot to offer, he's a very good player, he's excellent on the ball, strong and a good tackler. He has all the attributes to go on and play at the top level.

"We get on really well off the pitch as well, and we take that on to the pitch.

"We know each other really well, and it's good to have that understanding."

McCann and Kyle Lafferty were inseparable before Lafferty's record move to Rangers in the summer, and although he was sorry to see him go, Celtic fan McCann will be tuning in to watch his mate in the Old Firm derby on Sunday: "I actually went on holiday with Kyle and found out just as we were going away that he wasn't coming back to Burnley.

"I was sad to see him go, he's a good player and a mate as well, but I wish him all the best and hope he does well up there.

"There's a big game coming up on Sunday as well.

"I'm a Celtic fan though, and I'll be watching on television if I get the chance.

"I haven't had a bet with him, because he'll probably bag one!

"We've had a bit of a laugh about it, with him being a Rangers man and me being a Celtic man, but I wish him all the best."