Unsworth: Winger Treacy could fire Clarets up table on top form (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Unsworth: Winger Treacy could fire Clarets up table on top form

8:04am Monday 10th September 2012 in Sport By Suzanne Geldard, Burnley FC reporter

DAVID Unsworth has urged Burnley not to give up on Keith Treacy, because he believes the winger is capable of influencing a top six finish.

Burnley manager Eddie Howe is prepared to listen to offers for the Irishman after hauling him off at half time during the club’s Capital One Cup win over League Two Plymouth.

It wasn’t the first time since his arrival from Preston just over a year ago that poor form had resulted in the 23-year-old’s early exit.

But it looked to be the last straw as far as Howe was concerned, with Treacy being sent to train with the club’s development squad in the after-math.

Millwall were believed to be considering a move for the Dubliner before the transfer window closed last Friday.

Treacy was loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday towards the end of last season, helping the Owls win promotion back to the Championship.

The Republic of Ireland international could now be set for his fourth club in two years, after failing to make a positive impact in the Clarets ’ new campaign.

But Unsworth, a former Burnley is adamant that if Burnley can get Treacy fit and focused on the job, it could have instant results.

“If Eddie Howe can get the best out of him for 35 games a season, Burnley will at finish in the top six, at least, without a shadow of a doubt - he is that good,” said the former defender, who worked with Treacy during his time as coach at Preston North End.

“He’s a fantastic talent. One of the best talents I’ve seen. He didn’t do it at Blackburn, he didn’t do it at Preston, I really hope he can do it at Burnley. I hope Eddie can get the best out of him because talent like his doesn’t come around very often.

“Eddie knows that because he bought him. He certainly has a player there who on his day can win a game single-handedly.

“But Keith is a complex character and needs to be treated in a certain way.

“He’s a good lad. Unfortunately he hasn’t produced on the consistent level that people close to him and people who know him know he is capable of.

“But if Keith Treacy could be their player of the year, Burnley would be in the top six.”