Jensen: There's life in me yet (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Jensen: There's life in me yet

2:50pm Monday 30th January 2012 in News By Suzanne Geldard, Burnley FC reporter

IF Brian Jensen stays at Turf Moor for another season, he will be due a testimonial.

The Clarets’ longest-serving current player arrived in June 2003, a free signing for Stan Ternent from West Brom, his first English club.

Burnley could be his last.

Afterall, the goalkeeper doesn’t fear the competition. He positively thrives on it, having seen off glove rivals including Danny Coyne, Gabor Kiraly and Diego Penny over the years.

Lee Grant is his latest challenger, while summer signing Jon Stewart chases their tails.

Jensen hasn’t been able to put up much of a fight of late though, spending a frustrating four-month spell on the sidelines after suffering a groin injury in the defeat at Peterborough United in September.

But after playing his first reserve game, against Preston almost a fortnight ago, and following that up in a behind-closed-doors game at Wolves last week, he is ready to fight for the jersey again.

After overcoming the worst injury of his career, there is life in the old Dane yet.

Three points outside the play-offs, there is plenty of life in Burnley’s, he feels.

Jensen started 60 of the Clarets’ 61 games in their promotion-winning campaign of 2008/09.

He has had more of a watching brief this season, but can still see similarities to this time three years ago.

“We can do it again, of course, we’re starting from scratch and I’ve seen it before when you get young players in, you have to start all over again, but as you can see, it’s working,” he said.

“We’re playing well and getting results and it’s very good for the future.

“The form we’re in is what you need to show to get involved up there, but it’s not going to be easy, I’ve been through it too many times.

“It’s a young side, but they will learn the more they play, and we need the experience of Duffo (Michael Duff), and Granty, and I can add experience if I get back into the side, and Deano (Dean Marney) as well.

“But so far, so good, they’re doing really well.”

That kind of ambition is what has tied him to Turf Moor for so long.

“I didn’t think I’d be here this long, players have ambitions and Burnley have fulfilled mine, that’s why I’ve stayed,” he said.

“We’ve had our ups and downs, but it’s been really good, I’ve been really happy, that’s why I’ve stayed here this long.

“I wouldn’t say I expected to, but I don’t think anybody expects to be 10 years at a club.

“But if ambitions are right and expectations, then why not?”

That’s just one incentive to work his way back into the team; the prospect of a new contract is another.

“I’ve spoken to the gaffer but he said he’s not going to do anything about it until I was back fit, so that’s the first priority,” said Jensen.

He will be 37 in the summer, but the keeper admits the youthful squad Eddie Howe has engineered at Burnley is keeping him young.

“Everyone talks about your age, but for a goalkeeper I’m not that old, I’ll just keep on going until the wheels come off, as long as I can contribute,” added Jensen, who was born in Copenhagen and left his first club, AZ Alkmaar, for the Hawthorns in 2000.

“If I work hard I know I’ll have a chance of getting back in the side again, and that’s my goal.

“It’s the usual - you know the history - we’ll just have to continue that.

“I’ll do it again - I’m not going to give up on it. You never know if it’s too late, but there’s a long way to go and I’ll fight hard and see if I get my chance. If I do, I have to hold on to it.

“I started quite late, at 21, and I love it too much, I’ll stop when my body says.”

For now it’s not just the ageing process and Grant keeping him on his toes.

“Jon is decent, he’s only 22 and has a few bits and bobs to learn, but he has a great kick and a great attitude. He works hard,” said Jensen of 6ft 2 stopper Stewart.

“I’m still bigger than him though. I’m still the Beast