GRAHAM Branch is so convinced Burnley can prosper in the First Division that he has willingly accepted a contract geared towards success next season.
The Clarets wideman has agreed an initial 12-month extension to his existing deal which expires this summer.
But the contract is incentive-based with Branch set to benefit from helping establish Burnley in the top tier of the Nationwide League.
"If we stay in the First Division it's a good contract for me, which I'm sure we will," Branch revealed.
"I have been looking forward to playing First Division football again and it's great to be back up there with the gaffer and with Burnley, which is such a good club to play for.
"From speaking to people, the gaffer might have taken a bit of a gamble in bringing me from Stockport because it's been said that I've been inconsistent in my career so far.
"But I am my biggest critic and I know if I've had a good game or a bad one. I feel I've done quite well in the last three or four months and started to get the consistency back which is shown in the contract the gaffer has offered me."
Branch asked for some time to think over his new offer after meeting Stan Ternent last week. But it took the former Stockport and Tranmere winger only a day to commit himself to the Clarets' cause before he rang the boss to add his name to those of Mitchell Thomas, Paul Cook, Ronnie Jepson and reserve keeper Craig Mawson in agreeing new terms.
"We have done well this season compared with last and it's very important for the lads to stick together," added Branch.
"That's only going to help next season when it will be a bit harder for us because we will be playing better sides.
"Having said that, a lot of the lads will possibly find it a bit easier because you get a bit more time on the ball. You can play a bit more football and with the footballers we've got in our team I think we will do well."
Branch was successfully converted into an attacking left-back at Turf Moor as the Clarets clinched promotion and he may take some dislodging from that position next season.
"I know how my football's been going and I just want to carry on and do even better," he said.
"I had a word with the gaffer and he seemed very happy with my form over the last four or five months.
"He still feels I can do better and he's right. But the more games I play in that position I will get better."
Aston Villa have again been linked with a possible move for Glen Little but aren't thought to have made an approach for the Clarets' winger.
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