ASHLEY Westwood has delivered the Clarets the perfect boost as they prepare to return to Turf Moor in the Premier League by signing a new three-year deal with the club.

Westwood has been an outstanding performer under Burnley boss Sean Dyche and has now confirmed his place in the Clarets’ plans for the foreseeable future.

The 30-year-old’s existing contract was due to expire next summer but his future has now been secured to top up a superb few days’ business for the Clarets following the signing of fellow midfielder Dale Stephens from Brighton.

“I’m delighted to finally get it done,” said Westwood, who may lead Burnley out again as captain against Southampton in the Clarets’ opening home league game on Saturday evening.

“Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve been welcomed. The gaffer has been brilliant, the lads are phenomenal and the fans have taken to me, which is the main thing. It really feels like home now.

“I still feel I’ve got plenty more to give. I feel fit, touch wood I’ve been lucky with injuries, and the way we train and do things here stands me in good stead for, hopefully, a long career.”

Westwood is just two Premier League appearances away from 100 for the Clarets after signing from Aston Villa at the end of the January, 2017 transfer window.

The former Crewe Alexandra skipper had to bide his time to become a regular starter but has barely missed a game over the past two seasons and was named the players’ and supporters’ player of the year in 2018/19.

His form in the centre of the Clarets’ midfield has been key to their recent success in the Premier League, having also helped Dyche’s men qualify for Europe in 2018.

And Westwood believes he’s playing the best football of his career. “When I first went to Villa I was playing well and rode the wave and then had a bit of a sticky spell,” he added.

“Since coming here, the gaffer has got me playing forward a lot more and it’s showed in my assists and creating chances," he told the club website.

“It feels like it’s been a perfect fit for me and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

“It’s a club that is still on the up. We are a squad that pulls together and we are hopefully adding a couple to that now.

“Dale has come in with a lot of Premier League experience, which is what you need, and hopefully we can really maintain what we have here and really keep the club progressing forwards.”