DAMIAN MATTHEW has his eyes on the perfect end of season double of staying up and winning a new contract at Turf Moor, writes PETE OLIVER.

And with the midfield man set to return at Grimsby on Tuesday to help Burnley's push for Wembley in the Auto Windscreens Shield he might have a memorable hat-trick in mind.

Matthew is hoping to secure a new deal at Burnley when his current contract expires in the summer.

He will be a free agent under the Bosman ruling but, having become an integral part of Chris Waddle's side since Christmas, now appears to figure in the manager's plans.

Matthew, who turned down a move to Northampton Town earlier this season, was ready to open contract talks with Waddle before a calf injury and Burnley's busy schedule put things on the backburner.

But he is hoping to start discussions with Burnley having eased the pressure at the foot of the Second Division.

"It would be nice to get safe and then talk about it," said Matthew.

"I am more than happy to stay. It's a big club and I want to play here."

Matthew was due to return to full training yesterday after shaking off a calf injury but he sat out today's game at Walsall through suspension. He was planning to watch from the stands and, apart from the pressing matter of three points to help their fight against the drop, Burnley will also have been looking to glean some information from Walsall.

The Saddlers face Bournemouth in the southern area final of the Auto Windscreens Shield with the winners facing Burnley or Grimsby in the final at Wembley.

Meanwhile, Waddle is warning supporters not to get carried away by the impact of trialist striker Graeme Tomlinson.

The Manchester United forward scored a hat-trick for the Clarets' reserves at Wrexham in midweek and the Burnley player-manager was planning to talk to the 22-year-old about his future plans.

However, he stressed that a deal is far from cut and dried with several things to weigh up for both parties.

"The problem is that every time we put a new striker in everybody gets the wrong impression," said Waddle.

"We have got to look at all of it. He has just played two reserve games and everybody thinks we will sign him."

Waddle wants to know if Tomlinson, who is expected to be released on a free transfer by United in the summer, is looking for a loan move or a permanent contract somewhere at this stage.

Terms would then come into it if manager and player follow up their interest.

And if Burnley are keen on a loan move they may have to match what he is being paid at Old Trafford for a player who would have to force his way past Andy Payton and Andy Cooke to get into the first team.

Waddle is keen to assess new talent but naturally not every player given a run-out in the reserves will either earn or want a full contract.

For instance Blackburn full-back Tony Whealing played for the Clarets' second string a couple of weeks ago but there is no move currently in the offing.

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