STUART Gray says he expects to meet chairman Barry Kilby in the next couple of days to find out whether he still has a role to play at Burnley – either as caretaker manager or as a coach.

Gray was put in temporary charge of the Clarets for three games after Brian Laws’ departure and the last of those came at the weekend when he guided Burnley to a 4-2 home win over Port Vale in the FA Cup third round.

Winger Chris Eagles has urged the board to give Gray the job until the end of the season but it remains to be seen whether that option will be considered, with the likes of Malky Mackay, Eddie Howe, Derek McInnes and Steve Clarke all in contention to replace Laws as manager.

Gray was the club’s first-team coach under Laws and hopes he will be given a similar role should a new boss come in ahead of Saturday’s crucial Championship fixture at home to league leaders Queens Park Rangers.

“I sat down with the chairman on Friday and he kept me informed with what’s going on, that they’re going through the process of drawing up a shortlist and interviewing people,” said the 50-year-old.

“That’s my three games over now and I’ll probably sit down with him on Monday or Tuesday.

“Hopefully by QPR next week I’ll still be in work.”

Gray then appeared to hint he would like to remain as manager if given the opportunity.

“It's a great job, don't get me wrong,” said the former Southampton and Northampton boss.

“More often than not when jobs come around teams are struggling.

“There's a great bunch of lads in there, a great squad, great attacking options, a great team spirit and we're just outside the play-offs.

“That's unusual at this stage, normally you're inheriting a team that is at the foot of the table.”

The Clarets had the better of an entertaining game against League Two side Vale and Gray was happy with the team’s performance.

“The objective was a professional job and to get into the hat for the next round,” he said.

“We can put that to one side now and hopefully concentrate on QPR on Saturday.

“In the last two home games we've scored eight goals but the disappointing thing is we've conceded four and it's the manner in which we're conceding.

“But there again, I would rather win every game 4-2 if it means we're going to concede.”

Eagles scored his eighth goal of the season against Vale to move closer to his target of double figures for the campaign.

“This season it's been really good for me but I'm just pleased to come back after my back injury,” he said.

“It's still a little bit sore now but with a few days' rest I should be fine next week.

“I'm just pleased that I'm getting through the games without actually injuring myself again.

“To be honest I really want a goal a game, that's what I'm aiming for.

“I believe we should be a lot further up the table than we are and Saturday against QPR would be a good three points to get, to knock them down and carry us up.”