LOCAL hero Richard Chaplow is happy to commit his future to Burnley.

Chaplow admits his ambition is to one day pit his wits against the cream of the Premiership.

But the Accrington-born midfielder, 19, insists he is happy to bide his time and continue his footballing education at Turf Moor after his first full season as a professional.

He said: "My dream is to play Premiership football. If an offer came in from a club now I would have to seriously consider if it was the right move because it could leave me back playing reserve team football.

"Equally it might be that you only get one chance, but right now I am a Burnley player and I love the club, so I don't see why I can't stay here and keep improving."

Chaplow has enjoyed a rapid rise up the ranks in little over 12 months. The former Turf Moor trainee featured in 44 first team games last season, scoring five goals after signing his first professional contract in September - a deal that ties him to Turf Moor until 2006.

An amazing campaign included a surprise call-up to the England Under 21 squad in February, followed by a first cap for the Under 19 squad to face Germany in a friendly.

That has fuelled newspaper speculation that the midfielder is set for a summer move to the top flight, with Newcastle boss Bobby Robson believed to be an admirer.

However, Burnley chairman Barry Kilby insists that none of the eight players remaining on professional contracts at Turf Moor need to be sold to help cut costs.

Chaplow added: "The chairman has said he doesn't need to sell and that's reassuring for the fans.

"As for me, I am enjoying playing regular football and I'm still surrounded by good players like Tony Grant, Robbie Blake, Ian Moore and the others.

"So there is no reason why I can't stay here and keep improving."

Chaplow's words are sure to be music to the ears to Burnley fans, who are still anxiously awaiting news on a new managerial appointment.

Interviews took place yesterday as the rigorous process of appointing the new man moved up a gear.

And chief executive Dave Edmundson is confident the club is still on course to meet its target of announcing Stan Ternent's successor by the end of May.

ROTHERHAM have again warned Burnley to steer clear of manager Ronnie Moore. The Millers boss heads a list of three names believed to be in the frame to take charge at Turf Moor.

But Rotherham chief executive Phil Henson insisted: "Ronnie is under contract for another 12-months and if a club speaks to him without our permission, then they are breaking the rules."