Burnley hero Kevin McDonald's late leveller at Manchester City crowned one of the best days of his life.

The Carnoustie-born youngster celebrated his 21st birthday last Wednesday, and gave himself the best present possible when he turned home Steven Fletcher's knock-back to earn Burnley a 3-3 Barclays Premier League draw.

It was the Clarets' first away point since they returned to the top flight after a 33-year absence - and for McDonald, it is a day he will never forget.

"It is one of the best days of my life so far," he said.

McDonald is yet to start a game for Burnley in the top flight.

But manager Owen Coyle is a big believer in the former Dundee player.

Prepared to risk a heavier defeat in an effort to salvage something, Coyle's faith in McDonald received its reward.

"It was an unbelievable game just watching from the bench," he said.

"To then come on and score; it doesn't get any better than that."

The result keeps Burnley nestled in mid-table, beyond their wildest expectations when the season began.

Such is the disparity in income, Coyle believes one of City's major stars is probably being paid more than his entire squad put together.

Yet he has instilled an impressive spirit and determination.

The Premier League is an unforgiving place, as Hull found out last year, but the Turf Moor outfit appear to at least have a shot at survival.

"We are written off by a lot of people - but coming to a place like this and getting a results sends out the message that we are here and wanting to stay in the Premier League," said Coyle.

"That is what we are aiming to do.

"The players in our dressing room might not have cost the same money as everyone else, but we can still pass the ball and we have the same spirit.

"We could have let our heads drop and felt sorry for ourselves. But we kept battling away and got our rewards in the end."