NEIL Wood feels he is ready to take his game to a higher level and help Burnley survive.

The on-loan Manchester United midfielder admits he has struggled at times with the frantic pace of the First Division relegation scrap.

But Wood is looking forward to this weekend's crucial Easter programme with relish after finally finding his feet in recent weeks.

He said: "It has been hard to get used to a completely different style of play and I've struggled a little to adapt.

"I was working hard but I always felt on the fringes and in situations like that, you just have to keep the work ethic up.

"But I have really enjoyed the past couple of games and I think the fans are seeing the real me now."

Wood, who still only has seven first team starts with the Clarets to his name, added: "At Manchester United they have always said I need to be playing first team football at a good standard.

"I think I am past reserve team football and United have said that for a couple of years.

"They have tried to get me on loan a couple of times and it's just been a case of finding the right club.

"I went on loan to Peterborough earlier this season, but that was mainly just long ball stuff with no midfield contribution at all.

"It was a nightmare. If it was down to me, I would have liked to have been playing first team football a few years ago, but it didn't work out that way.

"Now I'm just trying to get as many games in as I can."

Wood admits his wider footballing future is still clouded in uncertainty, with his current contract with United set to expire this summer.

But the versatile 21-year-old would be happy to find himself anchored at Turf Moor if United decide not to table a new deal.

He explained: "I still don't know what's happening at Manchester United. I have been here for a while now and I still have to find out what their thoughts are.

"My contract is up at United at the end of this season, so I am just waiting for then and take things from there.

"It certainly wouldn't be a problem progressing here though because I've enjoyed every minute.

"At the moment I'm just concentrating on Burnley getting safe. Walsall is a must-win game on Saturday.

"They have had some good results recently, but we really need a good result to get out of this dog-fight."

Wood has had his own fight to shake off a persistent knee problem. Along with Tony Grant, that leaves manager Stan Ternent sweating on the fitness of two key midfielders in the closing weeks of the campaign.

But Wood vowed the "walking wounded" would battle through the pain barrier until the Clarets First Division future is secured.

He said: "It's just my knee bothering me at the moment, but hopefully I can jeep that in the back of my mind.

"I'm having a bit of trouble with both knees after a few knocks, and the midfield is like the walking wounded at the moment, with Tony and I both having suffering.

"But with treatment I'm sure we can both hang in there."