BRAD Maylett knows that he could soon be facing crunch time as he looks to realise his dream and establish himself as a Claret.

The 22-year-old winger was today completing his month-long loan spell with Swansea against Scunthorpe United at the Vetch Field.

But with Stan Ternent struggling with an injury crisis and having let Glen Little go to Reading on loan, Maylett is likely to return to the Burnley squad ahead of Tuesday night's clash with Portsmouth.

"I have had a great time at Swansea and really enjoyed playing regular first team football," he admitted before this afternoon's game.

"It has been a bit of a new experience for me, playing week in and week out but I definitely think it has helped me. It is something I have needed for a while, if only to get my fitness back."

"I have had the problem with my Achilles but I am feeling good now and I think I have felt stronger with every game that I have played."

It was five seasons ago that Maylett first made his debut for the Clarets, but he knows it is coming to the make or break time in terms of his Turf Moor career.

"I can't keep being a young lad breaking through all the time," he admitted. "It is time for me to make my mark and I think playing at Swansea has helped me.

"I know Brian Flynn from when he used to come down to Gawthorpe and he has helped me with bits of coaching. I have had injury setbacks in my career but now I need to get it going.

"It was a strange experience first of all and I have still been training at Burnley but I am feeling fitter and I have been enjoying it."

Maylett is well aware that the departure of Little has opened a potential gap in the team that he is very eager to fill, and he said: "Wide right is where I like to play and I want to play there for Burnley.

"When Glen is here it is hard to get in because he is one of the best players in that position in the division. But I have still got one year left on my contract and it is up to me to show what I can do."

"I know the Swansea manager wants me to stay for the rest of the season but it will be Burnley's decision about what will happen."

Maylett is not the only Swansea player currently training at Gawthorpe as ex-Claret Lennie Johnrose is also spreading his time between the North West and South Wales. In fact, one pinpoint Maylett cross allowed Johnrose to head a vital goal against Oxford.

"I drive down with Lennie and it was great to have him there when I first went down," he said. "But I have got to know all the lads at Swansea and whether I am there or not, I really hope that they avoid relegation. I will be phoning Brian Flynn to wish him good luck.

"The fans there are great and I am sure it is an intimidating place for other teams to go."

But the fans he really wants to impress are the ones that follow Burnley. He may get the chance to do that at Fratton Park on Tuesday.