Alexander set for new Clarets deal

urnley veteran Graham Alexander is likely to be offered a new deal at Turf Moor that will take him past his 39th birthday. Alexander, who doubles up as the club's player-coach, is out of contract in the summer.But manager Brian Laws has made it clear he sees Alexander as crucial to his plans in their attempt to make a swift return to the Premier League.Laws said: "Graham is part of my team and I not going to be opening the door, saying thank you very much, and shutting it behind him."We will be sitting down over the next week or so and I expect him to be here next season."He will still be strong on the playing side - the coaching will take care of itself - we don't want to detract from that."He will do that first and foremost as we don't want to take away his qualities as a footballer. Just because of his age, you can't say that's it."Graham has shown already this season he is more than capable of performing, more than capable of playing for 90 minutes."He has made a difference on the pitch. Long may it continue. It is about the quality of the player and the man."At 38, Alexander has made 32 Premier League appearances heading into the final fixture against Tottenham at Turf Moor on Sunday.He remains a popular figure despite the club's demotion and has been named Player of the Year, voted by supporters through the official club website.Laws added: "Graham has been very steady the whole way through. The fans like him and the players like him."You don't have to be the matchwinner. You just have to make sure you got out there and give it your all."The consistency he has shown this season he deserves this accolade. When he hasn't played we have missed him."Meanwhile, Burnley are still in line for a place in Europe next season providing Fulham win the Europa League.Roy Hodgson's side take on Atletico Madrid in Hamburg on Wednesday - a game that has special interest for the Clarets.They remain the frontrunners to qualify for the competition through the Fair Play League, given the clubs ahead of them are already assured of a place in Europe.It would mean an early start at the beginning of July, but that is not a problem for Laws even though it would impact on his holiday.He said: "We are in a fairly strong position if Fulham win the final. We are not banking on it but will certainly embrace it with open arms."Our preparations will be altered. If that is the case we will gladly change them."I will be at home, cheering them on. We have already booked our holiday but it might just be a weekend if we have to come back early."

Source: Team_Talk