Duff to stay at Burnley

Posted Sunday, May 24, 2015 by Foxsports.com

Burnley boss Sean Dyche has confirmed that 37-year-old Michael Duff is part of his plans for next season.

Veteran defender Steven Reid plays his last game for the relegated Clarets at Aston Villa on Sunday, but Northern Ireland international Duff will play on in the 2015-16 Sky Bet Championship campaign - 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."

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

He added: "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."