GLEN LITTLE'S cameo performance against Crystal Palace may have delighted Clarets fans - but it did not make John Ward happy.

Ward is currently the assistant manger to Dave Jones at Wolves but it was when he filled that role under Adrian Heath at Turf Moor that Burnley signed the winger.

"I seem to recall he cost £50,000 and that is great value for a player who has fantastic ability," he said.

"When he first joined he was a bit up and down but he has just been getting better and better, he has grown up as a player.

"He is a great character, a really funny lad and a crowd pleaser and I think it is ominous for us that he got to play a few minutes the other night.

"We would rather he would have to be out another week but that is just the way it goes.

"He was never a great goalscorer but I know he has got a few this season and that will only add to his value although Burnley won't want to sell him."

Ward only spent one season at Turf Moor but admits to having a lot of affection for the club.

"I see Burnley as being similar to Wolves, it is a one club town," he said.

"You don't see kids in Man United, Arsenal or Leeds shirts, they are all in claret and blue and I like that type of thing.

"Even though I only had a short time I got a great reception when I went back with Bristol City on the day we were promoted and I will never forget that, I was extremely surprised.

"I have always been made very welcome when I have been back."

But his affection for the Clarets dates back even further as he explained: "They actually played in the first game I ever saw, an FA Cup tie at Lincoln City in 1960.

"They were one of the best teams in the country, it was the year they won the title and it was great seeing players like Jimmy McIlroy, Brian Miller and Ray Pointer.

"Those were the days when Wolves were also a massive club and it is amazing to think that both teams nearly went out of the league in recent years. Hopefully they are both on their way up."

Ward was singled out for praise by Clarets striker Gareth Taylor earlier this week.

He claimed Ward was up there with Stan Ternent as the best coach he has worked with.

And Ward himself is a fan of Stan as he said: "I expected Burnley to be up there and it is typical of the man that he is not making a big thing about it.

"It is great credit to him, Sam Ellis and the rest of the staff. I like his sides, they are always a man's team that can deal with different situations and do a job.

"Just look at players like Kevin Ball and Steve Davis, it is great for the likes of Glen and Paul Weller, who were both there with me, to grow up with them. Young players can only learn from such good pros."