TURF Moor was the venue as Graham Alexander went down in footballing history, and the 39-year-old declared: “I’m glad it was here!”

The former Scunthorpe, Luton and Preston midfielder was in line to complete 1,000 career appearances last Tuesday night as Burnley faced Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

But after the Clarets’ gameplan altered following Marvin Bartley’s controversial first half sending off, Alexander was made to wait a few more days for his magical moment.

And he admitted it was worth it as he came on in the 87th minute to a standing ovation from three sides of the ground, before playing his part in securing a timely 2-1 win over Swansea.

“It was amazing. I was just glad to get on the pitch and be part of the team and winning the game was extra special,” said the Scotland international, who was denied the chance to cap his milestone with a goal as Swans’ stopper Dorus De Vries somehow saved his stunning 25-yard free kick in the last minute of stoppage time.

“The keeper didn’t read the script to be fair. I had a word with him at the end.

“I was half wheeling away but then I thought ‘some things are too good to be true’.

“But being there, with all my team-mates around and my family here, that’s enough for me.”

The father-of-three, who joins former Scunthorpe team-mate Tony Ford as the only outfield players to achieve 1,000 games, added: “The reception when I came on was brilliant, and at the end as well from the supporters and the guard of honour from the lads – I didn’t expect it at all and it’s a special feeling.

“It was special to do it here as well.

“I could have done it the other day. The kids came down to Forest incase that was the day.

“It was a long way, and usually they wouldn’t come to an away game on a school night, but we gave them special permission.

“Some things are meant to be and I’m glad it happened at Turf Moor.

“I just wanted to do it, but looking back now with the reception I got, it’s good that it was here.”

After an Ashley Williams own goal, from Chris Eagles’ cross, cancelled out Fabio Borini’s 52nd minute opener, the Clarets clinched it from the spot.

Alexander was on the bench at the time of the penalty being awarded for Angel Rangel’s foul on Jay Rodriguez, and there were cries from the crowd for a hasty substitution to get the spot kick supremo on the pitch.

But Alexander revealed he was fully behind Eagles.

“I wanted Chris to score it because I thought there might be a better chance of me getting on the pitch,” he smiled. “And if we win the game we’re back in the hunt (for the play-offs).

“It was a great penalty.

“Chris had great pressure on him. I saw the keeper having words with him but he put it down to the side and banged it in.

“It was a great feeling and I was just waiting for my chance.

“I just wanted to come on and help the team win the game. I didn’t want to come on and spoil things and not win.

“I just wanted to do my bit for the team. That little rule’s looked after me over 20-odd years.

“If I’d have scored it would have been a bonus but the important thing was the three points, my family being here and the reception.

“I can’t complain. It was an amazing feeling.”

But he admitted his targets don’t stop there.

“To match Fordy, who I played with at Scunthorpe for a little bit … it’s amazing how both of us got to 1000.

“I’ve just got to chase his total now,” said Alexander, who is 73 short of matching Ford’s overall appearance tally.