WITH NO game at Bolton last weekend, I was surprised to get a call from the gaffer.

He asked me to come along to go to Stoke with the rest of the Burnley lads, and I was delighted to go down on the coach with them.

It reminded me I'm still one of the boys, as where I sat there were three or four of the lads sat in the stands watching the game.

It was a great result, especially after the early season doom and gloom and thinking the campaign might be a struggle.

But once you get a few wins, the confidence is flowing and thankfully that's what's happened to the lads now.

I was impressed with Andy Todd and David May at the back, and although naturally the team always like to give the fans a bit of a scare, we came through and fully deserved the win.

I desperately want them to keep getting the results because if I do end up coming back to Burnley, it would be good to know we are battling away at the right end of the table.

I think the lads have four or five games while I'm here at Bolton - and who knows what might happen?

It certainly doesn't look like anyone at the top will run away with it and Burnley have as good a squad as anyone if everyone stays fit and the gaffer can keep

us topped up with quality loan signings.

Here at the Reebok, I'm just looking forward to getting started now. It's been a long wait, but there's only a few days to go.

I'm not sure if I'm playing or not yet, but I would be surprised - and the way I'm looking at it, if I can get on the bench and get a run out against Middlesbrough it will be great.

At Burnley you can usually work out who the subs are going to be, but it's a bit different here and there's about 11 of us chasing a spot on the bench!

It's been a bit strange with all the internationals and others having days off, and I only trained with Youri Djorkaeff for the first time yesterday, which made it hit home exactly where I am.

It seems ages ago since I joined, but the 10 days have soon come around. I have only got three games, which isn't the best situation. But if we can get a few results and move up the table, then I hope that might give me longer here to impress.

I think the training has been pretty straight forward and I certainly don't feel out of place.

I feel pretty comfortable in fact, but I know the games will be totally different and I'll only be able to judge my progress by actually playing in the Premiership.