Clarets stalwart Chris Brass is ready to stay and fight for his place as he lines up another crack at First Division football.

Brass started just four League games as Burnley clinched promotion last season.

But rather than look for pastures new, Brass goes into the last year of his current contract determined to play a role in the Clarets' assault on Division One.

"We've got to see how things develop. If it's not working out perhaps I would have to look elsewhere but I'm not thinking about that with the chance we've got here," confirmed the versatile defender, whose League debut came during Burnley's last campaign at this level in 1994/95.

Brass was hampered by injury at the start of last season and the form of Steve Davis, Mitchell Thomas and then Ian Cox limited his chances.

However, the 24-year-old is always one for looking on the positive side and will be ready to do is duty if handed the chance this term.

"I think it was emphasised last season how important a squad is.

"All the players had their own little part to play.

"This is a new challenge and I don't know what will happen but I hope I get an opportunity.

"It's a whole different ball game in the First Division. We might be relying more on pace and that may just suit me. Fingers crossed I will get an opportunity," he said. Brass, who got married last month, added: "I was disappointed that I got injured so early on last season and I couldn't get back in.

"But it might work in my favour this time and you've just got to keep fit and healthy.

"They are exciting times and I'm desperate to get back."

And the former Turf Moor trainee, who has spent all his career at Turf Moor bar a brief loan spell with Torquay United, won't be put off if and when boss Stan Ternent unveils new signings.

He said: "I'm sure he will add to the squad before the season starts, maybe just a few faces, but that can only be a good thing for everybody.

"It's like when Ian Wright came in. You learn things from him."

It's still a waiting game to see who Ternent will recruit to bolster his squad.

The manager has been linked with Wigan's Scott Green, who is no longer thought to be interesting Sheffield United who have already recruited four new defenders this summer.

And Blackburn Rovers central defender Darren Peacock has even been put in the frame in some quarters, although suggestions concerning a move for the former Newcastle United man appear to be purely speculative.