SCOTS terrier Tom Cowan hopes his efforts in keeping Burnley up will land him a permanent move to Turf Moor.

Cowan has been an inspirational figure for the Clarets since joining them from Huddersfield Town just before the March transfer deadline.

The left-back played a key role as Burnley were unbeaten in 11 of his 12 games to finish the season six places clear of the drop zone.

His contract, which Burnley took on from Huddersfield, expires in June but he now hopes to win an extended stay in manager Stan Ternent's squad.

"I want to play for Burnley now. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here," said Cowan.

"Stan gave me a great chance. He said to me before I came 'if you do well for me son I'll sort you out' and I've heard he's a man of his word.

"So we'll probably sit down and have a chat over the next week or so and see how things transpire from there.

"The thing is I'm on a free transfer at the moment and hopefully Burnley will appreciate that."

The 29-year-old will therefore be looking for a package to reflect his experience. However that will also need to tie in with Ternent's summer spending plans, assuming the Burnley boss makes Cowan one of the players he offers a new contract this week.

Cowan has certainly proved his fitness after spells out of the game with a knee injury and broken jaw.

He has been a big favourite with the Turf Moor crowd and his determined approach reflected his belief that he had never contemplated relegation when joining the club. "Every club I've played for I have given 110 per cent. If I'm getting beaten I won't be short of giving the effort and I think that's shown from everyone out on the pitch," said Cowan.

"I think everyone's been the same. If you are getting beat but you are giving the effort the fans might not be happy with the result, but they'll be happy with the effort that you are giving for your football club.

"And I was not going to relegated coming here. I never said it when I first came because you're tempting fate but in my mind I was never going to get relegated.

"I got relegated when I was with Sheffield United, albeit when I only made four appearances that season, and it's a horrible feeling.

"I was scratting for a club that year and I must admit it was a horrible, horrible summer and I vowed it would never happen again."

He added: "It's a good job done. When I came here we had a hard job to do, me and Paul Cook, the recent signings as well and the lads that had been here.

"It's been a hard-fought 11 games but 11 games undefeated.

"Hopefully if I can sort out a contract here I will be back with Burnley next season and you want to take that run through to next season." Meanwhile Burnley have been linked with a possible move for ex-Clarets keeper Marlon Beresford, who left Turf Moor to join Middlesbrough for £400,000 last March.

However, although Ternent will want another senior keeper as competition for Paul Crichton next season he is likely to be setting his sights elsewhere.

Burnley will be kept waiting until Saturday to see if they have won the Lancashire League title.

Tranmere need to win their last game against Leek Town to edge out the Clarets but that fixture has now been re-arranged for Saturday because of Tranmere's reserve commitments this week.

Kevin Henderson and Tony Shandran scored two apiece as Burnley ended their campaign with a 4-2 win over Leek on Saturday.

Accrington Clarets are holding a disco at the Miner's Arms on Saturday. For ticket details contact Phil on 01254 387230.

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