CLARETS' midfielder Chris McCann believes he's ready to take his career to the next level.

The 18-year-old Irishman, who has been a smash hit for Steve Cotterill's side this season, recently landed a new long-term deal and celebrated that with a wonder-strike in the 1-1 draw at QPR.

And McCann said his next target was to cement a place in the Burnley first team after making five starts and six substitute appearances, scoring two goals this season.

"I'm delighted," he said. "I got a new contract just a few weeks ago, the goal (at QPR) and my first two starts in a row. I'm really happy with that and I just want to keep pushing on from there.

"I've worked hard to get here but I've got to work even harder to try and establish myself in the team and hopefully get a regular place nailed down."

And McCann, who was discovered playing for Home Farm in Ireland, added that he felt Burnley was the perfect place to learn his trade as the small Burnley squad has a great fusion of youth and experience.

"We've got a good manager, small squad and it's given me an opportunity to get into the team," he said. "I've done that and now who knows - the play-offs are in sight.

"With a small squad we've done very well to get into the position we're in. We've got a great mixture in the team and we're doing quite well and hopefully we can keep this going and grab a play-off spot.

"To get into the Premiership would be one of my greatest dreams come true but I'm just concentrating on winning the next couple of games and getting back to winning ways.

"We haven't won the last couple so it would be nice to get back to winning ways and push up the table again."