GORDON Armstrong has been released by the Clarets ahead of next season, but he insisted today: "I want to play on."

The 36-year-old will be leaving Turf Moor after five years of loyal service, and he admitted: "I have had a great time here, it's been brilliant.

"This season has been very frustrating because I started off with a couple of injuries but apart from that I have enjoyed every moment.

"The first year was tough because I came here with Swanny and there were not too many senior players about. They were difficult times and we had to scramble to stay up but since then everything has been very positive.

"I still feel that I have got at least another year left in me and I will be looking to continue playing for someone next season. What I want is to be playing week in week out because that is what keeps you fit.

"But whatever happens, I have no regrets about my career and there is no sadness at all. I made my debut at the age of 17, I have been playing ever since and it has been a great life.

"The shame is that the ITV Digital thing has happened and we all know that it has hit football hard. I really want to keep playing and it will be a case of looking about and seeing if I can fix myself up.

"The fact I have not played so much this season means that I feel I have a bit more petrol in the tank. It has been a nightmare for me but since Christmas I have been okay apart from one slight groin strain."

Armstrong will be 36 in the summer and he has been an important member of Stan Ternent's squad since he was made one of his first signings as he followed him to Turf Moor from Bury in the summer of 1998.

In that first season with the Clarets, he was a virtual ever present and, although that has not been the case in subsequent seasons, his versatility has ensured he has had an important part to play.

Comfortable in central defence, left back and midfield he has been a big part of the recent success at the club.

If he were to feature in this afternoon's match and the last game of the season at Wimbledon a week tomorrow it would take his total Burnley appearances up to 113 although he has not started a league game for a year and two months.

While playing for Ternent at Bury, he helped the Shakers to win the first division title in 1997 and then played a big part in keeping them up the following year.

The greatest period of Armstrong's career was at Sunderland, the club where he started his career and made his league debut as a teenager 18 seasons ago.

"That was a brilliant time for me, especially up to the age of 25," he said, and he was part of the Sunderland side that reached the FA Cup Final in 1992. They lost 2-0 to Liverpool but are still the last side to have reached the final from outside the top flight.

He went on to play 349 league games for the Wearsiders and netted 50 goals along the way.

In total he has played in 616 competitive games, prior to this afternoon, and scored 76 goals.

Armstrong still has a hunger and a desire to play as he approaches almost 20 years in the game. Whether he moves in to coaching remains to be seen but, whatever happens, he will take with him the best wishes from the Burnley fans.