GLENN Little has never wavered from his desire to stay at Turf Moor - despite making himself one of the hottest properties in the lower divisions, writes PETE OLIVER.

Little's performances in the second half of last season marked him down as a player with a big future.

First Division Stockport County were the first to come in with a bid for the 22-year-old midfielder but despite almost tasting relegation he was ready to commit himself to the Clarets long-term.

"At the end of the season I was looking to sign a new contract but waited to see everything was all right with the manager.

"When he left everything was up in the air. I haven't been here two years yet and this is my third manager and fourth assistant but hopefully with a bit of stability I am looking to have a good season next year," said Little who has confirmed his intent by signing a new three-year contract.

And Little clearly believes there are better times ahead for Burnley under the new management team of Stan Ternent and Sam Ellis.

He said: "We showed from Christmas last year that we are capable of beating the good teams. The main thing is to get a good start and take it from there.

"The manager knows the division and he knows what he wants. Maybe next year we can aim to get into the play-offs and if we do any better then that's great. "It will be difficult because the teams that came down - Manchester City, Stoke and Reading - will go close and Fulham will probably spend a lot of money again but we will get into it and do the best we can.

"I don't know if new players are coming in or any are leaving but we should do all right."

For Little, next season is also likely to provide a major test as he faces the task of living up to the standards he set for himself once Chris Waddle belatedly brought him into the starting line-up in January.

"This season will probably be harder because teams know more about me. I will have to rise to it and stay up at that level," he admitted.

"I suppose that's something I have to live with but if I get off to a decent start I don't see any reason why I can't have another good season.

"The main thing is to stay injury free and if I start the season try and keep it going."

Little has started less than 30 League games for the Clarets since Adrian Heath signed the former Crystal Palace man from Glentoran but is already a key part of Burnley's future plans.

He added: "Most of the young lads signed under Adrian Heath and the thing about Burnley is that they give young players a chance.

"The new manager has kept that going and wants to keep the young players for the future and build a team around them."

The decision of Little and highly-rated striker Andy Cooke to agree new deals is a major pre-season tonic for the Clarets and their fans, many of whom made Little their player-of-the-year at the various end of season awards.

"The supporters have been great to me since I signed for the club and hopefully we can give them something more to cheer about next season," he said.

Meanwhile, Ternent's rebuilding plans have continued with a further change to his backroom staff.

Youth team coach Alan Harper has followed Gordon Cowans in leaving the club allowing Ternent to make his own appointment in the build-up to the new season.

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