MARLON Beresford's loan spell at Turf Moor is set to be extended for another month.

But if the Clarets are to reach the play-off final in Cardiff on May 12 Stan Ternent will be forced to sign him if he wants him to play.

Ternent signed the former Clarets stopper at the start of February after Nik Michopoulos was injured in the fourth round FA Cup defeat at Cheltenham Town.

Beresford is eligible for the Easter matches against Wolves at Turf Moor and the away game at Portsmouth but his second month ends after the Fratton Park game.

Ternent admitted: "I want to keep him on for another month because he has done very well with us."

Extending his loan period for another month will not be a problem, despite the fact it is after tomorrow's deadline day.

Club secretary Cathy Pickup explained: "If it is continuous loan period it is not a problem and any player is allowed to be on loan for 93 days.

"It is down to the manager to talk to Middlesbrough about extending his loan for another month but it means that Marlon's loan spell will end on may 3.

"What happens from then will depend on Middlesbrough but if the manager wanted to keep him he would have to make the signing permanent and the deal would have to be for at least one month."

For most of the season Nik Michopoulos has been the club's number one but he has been unable to dislodge the impressive Beresford, despite his return to full fitness.

A string of fine saves has vindicated Ternent's decision to bring the 32-year-old back to Turf Moor and his presence could be crucial over the next few weeks.

That means that Boro boss Steve McClaren can expect at least one phone call from his opposite number at Turf Moor.