Winger Treacy staying at Turf Moor (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Winger Treacy staying at Turf Moor

9:05am Friday 27th January 2012 in News By Suzanne Geldard, Burnley FC reporter

KEITH Treacy has been linked with a move away from Burnley just six months after signing, but the winger has been told: ‘You’re not going anywhere’.

Sheffield Wednesday are thought to be interested in the winger, while there are also rumours of a return to his former club Preston North End.

Treacy has been frustrated not to cement his place in the Clarets side, despite coming off the bench to score on his debut against Watford on the opening day.

Since then, dips in form and fitness have led to the Republic of Ireland international being in and out of the line-up.

Treacy has previously been on loan in Sheffield, but in the opposite camp as he spent six months with United from his first club, Blackburn Rovers.

But manager Eddie Howe isn’t anticipating a return to steel city for the 23-year-old, who he insists can still have a key role in the second half of the season as the Clarets look to push up into the top six.

“Keith won’t be going anywhere,” said the Burnley boss.

“It’s important we reiterate our desire to keep the whole squad together.

“Everyone has got a part to play in the run-in.”

Howe has, however, sanctioned a loan move for development squad defender Kevin Long, who was today set to sign at Rochdale for a month to become new manager John Coleman’s first signing.

The defender is familiar to the former Accrington Stanley boss, having spent much of last season and the first half of this on loan at the Crown Ground.

Howe was looking for a League One move for Long for the benefit of his career, and the Burnley manager was happy to help Coleman out in the first week in his new job, after 12 and a half years with the Reds.

“I think it’s a good move for him,” said Howe of Coleman.

“I’m sure it would have been very difficult to leave Accrington after such a long time there.

“I wish him all the best. It’s a new challenge for him and one I’m sure he can take in his stride.”

Howe, who spent a total of 13 years with Bournemouth - across two spells - before becoming Burnley manager, added: “A lot of thinking goes on and soul searching, but sometimes you have to take it when you get presented with an opportunity you feel is too good to turn down.

“It’s a good opportunity for him at Rochdale and he’s deserved that for the job he’s done, consistently, at Accrington. He’d done a great job improving them year on year.”