Clarets star Graham Branch has high hopes that he will be given a new contract at Turf Moor for next season - and he would love to stay in the heart of the defence.

"I don't really like the versatile label but I am really enjoying myself at centre back," he said. "I have played before, when I was at Heswall, but never as a professional.

"But I do feel very comfortable there and I would be delighted if this was to become my regular position."

It is all a far cry from earlier in the season when he was ready to walk out on the club in reaction to the abuse he was receiving from sections of the crowd.

And the man he thanks for the change in his fortune is the manager, Stan Ternent.

"The gaffer has been brilliant with me, he is the best manager I have ever played under," he said. "I had got to the stage where I nearly quit Burnley because of all the stick I was getting but the manager told me I had no option but to stay and prove everybody wrong.

"That did it for me because that was all I wanted to do, I just love proving people wrong. I have done it on a number of occasions and I think the spectators have been great to me since. I have always had faith in my own ability but it has been good having the manager back me so much.

"With a good run in the side I think I have been able to show what I can do, what I am capable of."

Branch has spent much of the season at left back until his recent conversion into a ball-playing centre half and he explained that it was after the horrendous 7-4 defeat by Watford that he found out about the move on the training ground.

"The gaffer was reading out the team and he said Brizzer was at left back," he said. "I didn't think he would drop me as I had been playing quite well so I wondered where he would play me.

"There were a few raised eyebrows when he said centre back and I was a bit apprehensive at first but now it is great. I enjoy being in the middle of the game because when you are stuck on the left you are sometimes isolated.

"I can see what is going on from the middle, I have got pace and a good spring. Sam Ellis says I read the game well and that could be because I played as a striker and I can maybe anticipate what runs are going to be made."

He may have only played five times in that position but he has already had four different partners, Drissa Diallo, Steve Davis, Arthur Gnohere and Mark McGregor.

He looks set to start tomorrow's match against Sheffield Wednesday at the back but it remains to be seen who his partner will be.

"It has been a question of chopping and changing with all the lads this season," he said. "But I would love to start next season as the centre back and that is why I hope to sort out my contract situation.

"It probably benefits me that I can play in a lot of different positions but I would like to settle down in one for good and I would be happy if it was at centre back."

Virtually the only position Branch has not played in for the Clarets is in the nets but if the manager goes without a keeper on the bench again tomorrow, even that could change.

"I am in line to go in goals if Niko gets injured," he smiled. "I have done it before and, is I have to, I will do it again."

And there is one other role he would like to fulfil before the end of the season, that of goalscorer.

"I have not got one yet and Dean West keeps slaughtering me for that," he grimaced. "If we get a penalty I want to take it just to shut him up."

Branch has certainly shut up the doubters who got on his back at times throughout his Clarets career and he may yet find himself the defensive rock that Ternent will build his new side around for next season.

Former Burnley footballer David Miller enjoyed success as a manager last night as his Stalybridge Celtic side lifted the UniBond League's President's Cup.

The Bower Fold club beat Ashton United 2-1 away last night to secure a 6-3 aggregate win.

Andy Payton and Paul Cook will be take a final bow before the home game against Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow.