DELE Adebola is desperate to resurrect his reputation on loan at Burnley.

The Coventry striker opens a new chapter in a stop-start career when the Clarets travel to relegation rivals Bradford this afternoon.

Stan Ternent has made no secret of his admiration for Adebola, whose progress has stalled somewhat following a cruciate knee injury sustained at Birmingham two seasons ago.

And the giant Nigerian, who has a proven pedigree, is keen to repay Ternent's faith with the goals that can help fire Burnley to First Division safety - and possibly even earn him a permanent move to Turf Moor.

He said: "This move has been talked about ever since Christmas. Other opportunities have since come about, but I had already made a commitment to Stan back then.

"It didn't look like it was going to happen, but after training on Thursday everything was settled and right now a move here would definitely be tempting if things work out.

"Stan has tried to sign me a few times and if you ask any player, the most important thing is to feel wanted.

"You can't measure appreciation, but if people want you to succeed and are willing you on you can't help but give a little bit more effort.

"I'm still contracted to Coventry for another year, but the ideal scenario would be to come here, score a bagful of goals and help Burnley to stay up.

"That way I am in a happier frame of mind to make a decision that will shape the rest of my career."

Adebola has found life tough in recent years following the £1m switch from Crewe to Birmingham in 1998.

The cruciate injury effectively dropped him down the pecking order at St Andrew's, resulting in a free transfer move to Crystal Palace in August 2002.

However, after seven goals in 48 appearances, he made the move back to the Midlands to join Coventry last summer.

A section of the Highfield Road crowd have since failed to warm to Adebola, whose own confidence has suffered and subsequently led to City manager Eric Black declaring he is no longer in his long-term plans.

And the 28-year-old hitman is now hoping to find new friends among the the Turf Moor faithful.

He added: "I have struggled to find my form at Coventry, but with a few games and a little run in the team, you never know what you might get out of me.

"Things haven't gone well for me there, but I would prefer to think I am still trying to get going again after my injury.

"I tore my cruciate ligaments the season before last and ever since then it has been stop-start.

"But you can't just give up - you have to pick yourself up and that's what I intend to do at Burnley.

"I am going to try to find my best form here. It's a very close knit group of lads and the mood is quite relaxed, so I don't think it will be hard to settle.

"I don't feel there is any pressure on me. I can see that going forward Burnley are a good side and even though they haven't won for a few games that doesn't bother me.

"I just have to come here and work as hard as I can and give something to the team. If that is not goals, I can guarantee it will be effort."