THERE were no divided loyalties for Burnley's stand-in skipper Graham Alexander and his family as he squared up against his home town club on Saturday.

That's because his nine-year-old nephew, Craig, acted as a mascot for Burnley as Graham led his side out to face Coventry at the Ricoh stadium.

He and brother, Ryan, seven, have become staunch Clarets fans since Graham made the switch across Lancashire from Preston North End last August.

Formerly their bedrooms were decked out in North End regalia - but now they're confirmed Clarets converts.

Both brothers along with their dad, Craig, and granddad, Andy, watched from the stands as Graham helped the Clarets secure a 2-1 victory.

"I suppose you could say my nephews are among my biggest fans," said Graham.

"As soon as I moved they switched their allegiance to Burnley, so their bedroom decor is a bit out of date now.

"I think they are hoping for a parcel through the post.

"It was Craig's birthday last week so I managed to arrange for him to be mascot, so it will be a lovely occasion for him and all my family who, although they like to see Coventry do well, have always supported me through my career."

"I have done quite well against Coventry in recent years, for some reason, and I won 4-0 at the Ricoh with Preston last season," he said.

The right-back has made more than 800 league appearances during a distinguished career which has seen him earn 32 caps for his country and play in the Scotland side which beat former World Cup winners France twice in the Euro 2008 qualifiers last year.

Before his arrival at Burnley, he had spent eight-and-a-half years at North End and admits adapting to a new home has been a challenge.

Graham, 36, added: "My move away from Preston came as a massive surprise to me at the time.

"It was a contract situation and Burnley stepped in but it was a big wrench because I had played for them for quite a few years and was captain, so it was a massive decision.

"It would have been nice to have gone to my home town club but that was not an option.

"It has always been something that has been in the back of my mind, even if it was just for one year.

"It would have been great but the opportunity has never come around."

Graham assumed the captain's armband in the absence of Steven Caldwell.