JASON Shackell wants Burnley to go into the Premier League with the nucleus of their promotion squad intact.

The Clarets have already set to work on preparing for their return to the top flight by securing full backs Kieran Trippier and Danny Lafferty on new three-year deals.

Offers have also been made to Michael Duff, Junior Stanislas and Luke O’Neill, who were all out of contract this summer.

But while manager Sean Dyche is looking for new recruits to bulk up and improve the squad after releasing Brian Stock, David Edgar, Keith Treacy and third choice goalkeeper Nick Liversedge, captain Shackell hopes to go into the Premier League with the rest of the players who helped to get them there, including top scorer Danny Ings.

There has been speculation about the future of Burnley’s star striker, with a number of Premier League clubs linked to the 21-year-old.

But Shackell feels keeping the core of their runners-up squad together will help to take momentum into next season.

“I’d like to think we’d keep the bulk of the squad,” said the captain, who was an ever-present in Burnley’s promotion campaign.

“That’s the gaffer and the board’s decision, but I’d like to think that we’ll keep a lot of the lads and try to bolster a bit and go from there.”

Shackell goes into the final year of the contract he signed under Eddie Howe two summers ago.

Promotion was on his long-term agenda at the time and he is delighted it has come to fruition under Dyche.

“I was hoping this would be the ultimate dream, getting to the Premier League with Burnley and it’s come to fruition just a couple of years later,” said Shackell.

“It’s been a great move and I’m loving my life at Burnley.”