ROSS Wallace admits his departure from Turf Moor will be tinged with sadness as the Scotland international prepares to leave Burnley.

The Clarets have confirmed that Wallace will depart the club following Sunday’s final game of the season at Aston Villa.

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But the 29-year-old thanked the Burnley fans for their support during his time at the club as his five-year spell in East Lancashire draws to a close.

“It’s a sad day for me to be leaving Burnley,” said Wallace, who joined the club in 2010 from Preston.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed five terrific years at the club and made many friends.

“I would like thank the manager, his staff, the players and the supporters for all their backing and I wish the club every success in the future.”

Wallace has made 165 appearances for the Clarets over the past five seasons scoring 13 goals in all competitions.

He has made 18 appearances during this campaign, scoring twice, in the FA Cup third round reply defeat to Tottenham in January and netting a dramatic last minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Leicester City.

Clarets chief Sean Dyche also paid tribute to Wallace, who lists Celtic and Sunderland as former clubs.

Dyche said: “With the outcome of the season now clear we have met with the players to put them in the picture.

“Ross will be leaving and, of course, we thank him for his contribution to the club and we wish him well in the future.”

One player who could yet extend his stay at Turf Moor is veteran defender Michael Duff.

The Clarets have opened talks with the 37-year-old over a new playing deal at the club, although no terms have yet been agreed.

Duff, who joined Burnley from Cheltenham in 2004, has enjoyed a fine season in the Premier League since regaining his place in the heart of the Burnley defence from Michael Keane in March.

The Northern Ireland international has made 22 appearances for Dyche’s side.

The only other senior players out of contract at Turf Moor are Steven Reid, who will retire, and striker Danny Ings - who looks set to leave the club.