VERSATILE Burnley teenager Chris McCann has his sights set on securing a regular first team place next season.

The Dubliner, who has emerged through the Turf Moor youth ranks to become one of the club's brightest prospects, is aiming to build on the solid foundations he has made to his early Clarets career.

McCann, 19, scored his fifth goal of the season to seal a late 3-2 win over play-off chasing West Bromwich Albion on Monday, after coming off the bench to replace James O'Connor when the midfielder suffered concussion just before half-time.

Manager Steve Cotterill proved McCann has a part to play in his future plans when he was offered a new three-and-a-half year contract last month, which will take him through to 2010.

But while McCann is satisfied with his goals return this term, he admits he is disappointed that he hasn't been able to secure a regular place in the Clarets' starting line-up.

"There have been a few (goals)," said McCann, who was denied a brilliant header by West Brom goalkeeper Scott Shearer moments before he grabbed the winner.

"I was pleased to get on the scoresheet and that it was a crucial goal that won the game for us. I'm delighted.

"I think I've done okay, but I'm a bit disappointed with my season.

"I started off fairly poorly and got dropped, but hopefully I can take my chance when it comes again and prove what I can do."

McCann could get his first start since the 0-0 draw at home to Luton Town seven games ago when Burnley travel to Sunderland tomorrow night.

Boss Cotterill admitted he is reluctant to call on James O'Connor, after the 27-year-old spend a night under observation in Burnley General Hospital following his accidental clash of heads with West Brom's Paul McShane.

But whether McCann starts in midfield or not, Cotterill has encouraged the youngster not to be too self-critical.

"Chris probably doesn't realise form," the Burnley manager said. "He might have only thought he had a bit of a dodgy game, game and a half, he probably won't think to look back, say, three games to think that he didn't do well. And that's not to say he didn't do well in his last one and a half games.

"Sometimes it's nice to hear their honesty, but they can be, sometimes, above their station because they don't quite know where they are, especially when they're young. They don't quite understand."

McCann has played in a variety of positions this season having slotted in at both central and the left side of midfield, as well as centre back and left back.

And he admitted he has no objection to being a utility player.

"I'm just happy to be playing really," he said. "Anywhere will do just as long as I'm playing and I can do a job."

Burnley go to the Stadium of Light tomorrow as the Championship's form side after a run of five wins in six games has put their four-month winless run firmly to bed.

McCann added: "This run's come a bit too late. We're just preparing for next season and if we play like we've played in the last couple of games and continue it into next season, who knows where it will take us?

"It's very encouraging. We showed on Monday night what we can do and it's pleasing for everyone that we can mount a challenge for next season."