BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche admits he is keen to sign Chris Baird and today expects a resolution on whether he will join the Clarets.

Dyche confirmed the 32-year-old, a free agent, is a player he is looking to bring to Turf Moor but admits that he faces a battle for his signature.

The Clarets chief said: "He's someone that we'd be interested in. He's obviously very experienced and can cover three or four slots, and in a small squad like ours players like him are ones we'd be thinking about.

"We've had a chat about the idea of it. There are a couple of clubs who are interested in that situation.

"We have got an interest in chris and we'll see where that takes us.

"It's only competition from his point of view.

"Has he got a decision to make? Possibly, possibly not. I think there will be light on that today.

"I'd have no qualms about throwing him in. He's a very experienced player and that can be very useful. We've checked him out and if he's feeling fit and well, we'll use him accordingly."

Baird, who is a centre back by trade but can also play at full back, had been training with Reading and made nine appearances for Nigel Adkins' side earlier in the season.

He last played for the Royals in a 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers in November and has continued to train with Reading but the club were unable to offer him a deal.

Baird was released by Fulham in the summer where he made more than 100 appearances during his six years at Craven Cottage having began his career at Southampton.

He also has 61 caps for Northern Ireland.