PROMISING defender Chris Brass today agreed a new two-year contract at Turf Moor.

And the 21-year-old revealed Adrian Heath's desire to deliver Burnley back into the big time swayed his decision to pledge his future to Burnley until the end of the century. "I've a lot of ambition and I wouldn't have signed this contract if I didn't think that Burnley was ambitious," said Brass.

"I genuinely feel I am progressing under Adrian Heath and John Ward and that is why I've signed this new contract. "If I felt that Burnley weren't going anywhere I would have seriously considered moving in the summer when my contract was due to expire."

Brass added: "I've really enjoyed my six years at Burnley and this season has given me a big lift and a terrific buzz.

"I suppose the manager took a little bit of a gamble when he put faith in his young player but it has paid off.

"It also the first time I've had a lengthy run in the first team and that has given me bags of confidence to meet whatever challenge is presented. As a result, I think I'm improving every game.

"You hear little rumours about Premiership clubs looking at the young players in the squad and maybe something could happen before transfer deadline day.

"But I'm more than happy to stay and to try and get Burnley back into the First Division."

Brass is already an early contender for Burnley's Player of the Season and news of the deal will be a major fillip for Burnley fans as the Clarets prepare to make a final push for promotion.

Manager Heath said: "I'm really pleased that Chris has decided to sign because he is one of the most promising players this club has seen for a very long time.

"He has come on leaps and bounds this season and his form is very consistent.

"Chris Brass works extremely hard at his game and can be proud of what he has achieved."

Brass has become a first team regular under Heath and proved one of Burnley's most dependable performers this season, landing several man-of-the-match awards. He was recently called up as a stand-by for the Nationwide League Select Under-21 side side against Italy's Serie B in Genoa last month.

Adrian Heath has agreed to be the special guest at the next meeting of the Burnley Independent Supporters' Association at the Centre Spot on May 1 (7.30pm).

Burnley Reserves are in Pontins League action against Carlisle United at Turf Moor tonight (7.15pm).

Burnley's popular Football in the Community Officer Bob Oates is joining Sunderland next week.

Leeds-based Oates has spent the last four and a half years at Turf Moor and has helped establish the Community scheme at Burnley.

Boundary Clarets: Brentford. Duke Bar 7.45 am, Turf Moor 8.00, Padiham 8.15. £12 members, £14 non, £10 conc. Walsall, March 22: £7.50 members, £8 non, £7 conc. Times to be announced. All monies in advance. Contact Paul on 01282 832100 (Day) or 01282 705423 (Eve).

Burnley Supporters Club Travel: Brentford, Colne 7am, Nelson 7.15, Turf Moor 7.30, Rawtenstall 7.45. Members £15, non £17, conc £13, Juveniles (U-12) £10; Walsall Colne 10.30 am, Nelson 10.45, Turf Moor 11.00, Rawtenstall 11.15. Members £7, non £8, conc £6, Juv £5.

Rossendale Clarets are also running transport to Brentford, picking up at Todmorden, Rochdale and points in the valley. Details on 01706 224924. £15 (Adults), £12 (conc).

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