LEE Grant says the Clarets are playing for their futures, be that at Burnley or elsewhere.

The goalkeeper, left, is among nine senior professionals whose contracts are due to expire in the summer.

Only one – winger Ross Wallace – has so far committed to the club by signing a two-year extension.

Discussions have been held with the others, including midfielders Dean Marney and Chris McCann, striker Martin Paterson and Grant himself.

But until their futures are resolved, the Clarets stopper believes the uncertainty over where they will be playing their football next season is having a positive effect on their performances.

And Grant believes it is working towards the squad developing the strongest level of competition that he has experienced in three seasons at Turf Moor.

“It’s getting to that time now when things need to be ironed out,” said the former Derby and Sheffield Wednesday keeper.

“It would be wrong to say the players aren’t considering it or that it’s not on their mind because at the end of the day it’s their job also, it’s their livelihood.

“It’s something you’re certainly aware of – I know I am anyway. It can be a motivating factor as well – you want to play well to try to earn what you think you deserve, or may or may not deserve in some people’s opinions.”

But given the strides Burnley have made towards a play-off push since the turn of the year, despite a set-back this month, Grant believes it would be in the club’s interests to keep the nucleus of the squad together going forward.

“The majority of the players who are out of contract are playing for the team regularly so it would be important for the club to try to tie up as many of those as possible,” said the 30-year-old, who has been an ever-present in the Championship this season.

“As a player regardless of my own situation, it would be nice to see those lads who are out of contract re-signing and the club looking to push on for next season.

“It’s a situation the club need to resolve probably sooner rather than later because you don’t want people winding their contracts down and disappearing for nothing, but we shall see. It’s up to the club I suppose.”

And Grant indicated he would be keen to stay at Turf Moor.

“From my point of view, you want the club to show an interest in re-signing you obviously, and once that’s happened you touch base and discuss it and see where everybody’s at and you look to try to move things forward,” he said.

“I’m certainly enjoying myself here, I’ve made it clear that I’m happy in the side, that I’m happy playing and that me and my family are settled so we shall look to try to hopefully sort things out in the near future.”

As for the current competition for places, Grant added: “We’ve got players at the moment who have been out of the side and coming into the side and making a real difference.

“We’ve seen it at Sheffield Wednesday and last weekend at home. It’s good and great for the squad – people coming off the bench and making a difference, people coming from outside coming into the team and making a real difference, and that’s young players included.

“It’s really positive.”