EDDIE Howe believes this is just the beginning of David Edgar’s Clarets career after securing a 12-month contract extension for the defender.

The Burnley manager is the third Edgar has worked under since arriving at Turf Moor in the summer of 2009, but the first to give the Canadian an extended run in the side.

The former Newcastle stopper made only 14 appearances in his first two seasons with the Clarets, but has started the last 25 games in Howe’s first full season in charge.

And the Burnley boss has praised the way the 24-year-old Canadian international has cemented his place in the side.

“Before we came in I think David was incredibly frustrated. I couldn't really give him his opportunity because we had players who were playing well at the time and it was difficult to really get him in the team. But during the summer we made a few changes and David got his opportunity,” said Howe.

“From then it was up to him to take it, and I think he’s done that – especially of late. I think he’s formed a good partnership with Michael (Duff) and with Ben (Mee) whenever they’ve played, whoever he’s played with, and hopefully that continues.

“We’re really pleased because we feel that David has really improved this season.

“We’d used him in various positions but we had a chat and said, ‘For your own benefit we need to nail you down a position and try to work with you in that position so you can learn it and really get your head round where you’re going to play and where we see you’.

“We do see David as a centre half – a footballing centre half – who matches really how we want to play and how we build from the back.

“I think he has really improved, his attitude has been spot on and he has shown a real willingness to improve on the training pitch, which is always important for us.

“He’s 6ft 3 and has all the attributes we want. I still think there are areas he can improve and get better and that's our challenge and his challenge now to work with him and try to get him to reach his potential.

“So we're delighted to offer him a new contract, and hopefully this is just the start for him.”

Edgar is expected to return to his favoured central defensive position at Middlesbrough tomorrow, after filling in at right back as Kieran Trippier missed last week’s FA Cup third round game at Norwich through a one-match ban.

“Defensively I think his game's really come on,” added Howe of Edgar.

“He can play left or right side, which shows his versatility, and we're working on his left foot all the time trying to improve in that respect. But he is composed and I think that is the key thing with how we want to play, we want to try to build from the back and try to build an exciting and a composed football team. David will be fundamental to that.

“He went to right back and did well. He's a really talented footballer and a really talented lad.

“He can turn his hand to many positions - I think he's even played up front - but we do see him as a centre half.”

After penning the new deal, which will now expire in June 2014, Edgar said: "I'm really delighted, I guess it tops off what's been a good season for me so far, with playing and staying in the team, and I just want to stay in the team at Burnley.

"I guess it's something of a reward, the main thing is signing the deal and continuing to play games and get points.

"It's always been my aim to get in the team, stay in and play games.”

Edgar was one of 15 players whose existing contracts are due to expire in the next 18 months. While other extensions are not imminent, Howe said it is a situation they will look at from February onwards once the transfer window has closed.

His immediate target is to secure on-loan Manchester City defender Ben Mee on a full-time deal.

“The Manchester City side is done, it's just trying to sort things out with Ben,” said Howe.

“I think he falls into the same category as David – a composed, good footballer, brave, a great attitude, a winner. I think they are pretty similar in terms of attributes and they are the type of centre halves we want to try to bring in.”

Clarets out of contract in 2012: Michael Duff, Brian Jensen, Andre Amougou, Brian Easton, Alex MacDonald, Jon Stewart, Clarke Carlisle (on a season-long loan with Preston) Clarets out of contract in 2013: Lee Grant, Chris McCann, Ross Wallace, Dean Marney, Jay Rodriguez, Martin Paterson, Zavon Hines.