Duff to remain a vintage Claret

23 May 2015 11:32

Burnley will bid farewell to one veteran player at Aston Villa on Sunday when Steven Reid takes his final bow, but 37-year-old Michael Duff will remain as part of the team next season.

Clarets boss Sean Dyche has confirmed that Northern Ireland international Duff will have a part to play in the 2015-16 campaign - which will be his 12th at Turf Moor.

Dyche said: "We'll be speaking to Michael over the summer and he has made it clear he wants to continue playing.

"We spoke about where we felt he was at and he has done terrifically well this season. He'll be an ongoing part of what we do should something be agreed."

Dyche meanwhile hailed Reid as a "fantastic professional" but said he had not attempted to change the former Republic of Ireland international's mind.

"Reidy has been a fantastic servant to a few different clubs over the years and he's someone I personally class as a good friend as well as a fantastic professional," said Dyche.

"He's done exactly what I brought him here to do because he knew the game time would be minimal compared to previous seasons.

"But I wanted him to be around the group and show the true professional that he is and he has done that during the campaign."

Dyche said he was determined for Burnley to go out on a high before their return to the Sky Bet Championship.

He said: "We owe it to the fans, who have been terrific all season especially those who have travelled to away games, and we really want to go out on a high."

Striker Danny Ings is expected to leave Turf Moor this summer when his contract expires and Dyche said he was planning to strengthen the squad in several areas.

Dyche also praised England boss Roy Hodgson for calling up keeper Tom Heaton received to his squad - the first Burnley player to get the call for 41 years.

Dyche said: "It's been one of those interesting journeys really. He was my first signing here and a few of the fans were possibly thinking differently about his services to the club and that has now changed radically.

"To get the call-up has been outstanding I think and it's great from an England point of view, I really believe that."

Source: PA