GRAHAM Alexander hopes his 1000th career appearance isn’t the last of his celebrations this season, as Burnley reignited their play-off hopes in his milestone game.

The popular defensive midfielder came on to a standing ovation in the closing stages of Saturday’s 2-1 home win over high-flying Swansea City, and helped the Clarets secure maximum points for the first time in seven games.

Had it not been for a spectacular save from Dorus De Vries’ at the death, Alexander might have wrapped up a memorable afternoon with a stunning free kick.

But after taking the plaudits, the 39-year-old said: “Hopefully it’s not the end of the story.

“We’re chasing the play-offs and still have that as the target.

“We want to achieve something. We knew how special it was two years ago to do it, and that’s still the goal for everyone in that changing room to do it this season as well.”

Burnley looked out of the race for the top six after picking up one point from a possible 18. But Leeds’ inconsistent run has given them hope, with a trip to Elland Road still to come as well as tomorrow night’s game in hand, against Middlesbrough.

“I think people miss that point in the Championship, it’s like this every year. People make a late run and get to the play-offs on form and take it into the play-offs,” said Alexander.

“There are probably eight teams thinking the same thing, so we’ve just got to keep our council, not look too far ahead – just look to the next game which is Middlesbrough at home. Can we win that?

I think we can, and then we just go on from there.

“The play-offs is the target for everyone. We want to do something and hopefully we will.”

Manager Eddie Howe has also been encouraged by the Clarets’ turnaround, and the character shown to recover from going a goal down early in the second half.

Their fightback, completed when Chris Eagles scored from the spot after equalising through an own goal from the winger’s cross, took their points haul from losing positions to 28 (CHECK!!!) this season.

“It shows real character and heart,” said Howe.

“With the bad run that we’ve been on, to respond the way we did and keep our heads I thought it was terrific. The substitutes did well, which is always pleasing, and we’ve turned it round and won a game, and hopefully we can look forward now.

“I thought Tuesday (at Nottingham Forest) was a turning point for us.

"We didn’t get the result but we carried the (performance) in to Saturday in a difficult game.

"I thought the lads gave everything again, which is all you can ask.

“I thought the crowd were fantastic. They really got with the players in the second half and it was a really pleasing day in the end.”