MARK McGregor played only his second League game for the Clarets at the weekend but, having got into the side, he is determined to try and stay there.

And he admitted that his versatility could help him to play a bigger part for Burnley this season.

"I have normally played at right back but played left back at Wolves," said McGregor.

"I have also played at centre half so that does give the manager more options because I can play anywhere along the defence."

That versatility could be vital this season as Ternent tries to cope with a depleted squad and the inevitable injuries and suspensions that afflict all clubs.

"When I came here I knew it was going to be hard because of the season the lads had just had," he added.

"They had finished seventh and then we started with seven wins in eight games and so it was hard to break in.

"Now I am in the side I want to stay in it, I wanted to impress and I hope I did that to a certain extent. Being a footballer, you want to be involved every Saturday, that is what it is all about.

"I think I did okay at Stockport when I played last season and that gave me a lift to get through to the end of last season but now I am aiming to have a proper run in the side."

Being on the fringe was a strange experience for the 25-year-old who was a virtual ever present for Wrexham before he moved to Turf Moor just over a year ago.

He had to settle for being the regular captain of the reserves but he admitted it was a role he relished.

"I captained Wrexham once before I left and I like the extra pressure that being skipper puts on you," he said, although he is hoping he will figure far less for the reserves this time around.

"When I moved to Burnley it was because I wanted to play to play at places like Wolves, in great grounds, on good pitches and in front of big crowds," he said. "I was up against the pair of Denis Irwin and Shaun Newton down the wing and I really enjoyed the battle.

"It was disappointing to lose because we were a man down early on but I thought the lads all battled really hard. We never let our heads go down even though we had our backs against the wall.

"It ended up 3-0 but we kept battling despite the fact it was a big pitch, a hot sun and we had ten men. Everything was against us but we hung in and dug deep."

Now McGregor is looking forward to being involved against Sheffield United at the weekend and he is confident that, despite two straight defeats, the Clarets now have something to build on.

"We have got a great team spirit, the lads get on very well and we are determined to get the season going," he said.

And the dual challenge of keeping his place in the side while helping Burnley climb the table is one McGregor is relishing.