MARK Ford has bounced back from his "bad year" at Turf Moor last season to relaunch his career in Belgium.

Ford, released as part of manager Stan Ternent's summer clear-out, is now playing for Lommel in the Belgian top-flight and is earning positive reviews as the only English player in the league.

The former Leeds United midfielder, who had two seasons with the Clarets following his £200,000 signing by Chris Waddle, admitted that things turned sour at Burnley.

But he has no regrets and is delighted to be playing regular first-team football again.

"I had a bad year last year, it didn't work out," admitted Ford, who started just 13 games under Ternent after breaking his ankle on the opening day of last season.

"But that's football and I'm not blaming anyone. Things went wrong and it was time to move on.

"I am playing well out here and it's a nice way of life. It will do for a year or two.

"I always miss home. I would like to come back home at some stage but obviously it's good to be back playing. It's lovely to be playing football."

Ford, who was 24 on Sunday, was rated as one of the country's rising stars when he made his Premiership debut for Leeds and captained England's under-21s.

But it was abroad where he received the best offer when he was on the market in the summer and a trial spell at Grimsby Town didn't prove the solution. "There was a chance of possibly staying at Grimsby.

"But Lee Payne, who comes from Newcastle but is a scout out there, found out I was available and asked if I wanted to come to Belgium," explained Ford, who agreed a two-year contract with a further 12-month option.

"I came over and had a good couple of weeks and thought why not come out full-time?

"We are really one of the smaller clubs and we are expected to get relegated but we should just stay out of it."

Ford, who plays alongside Ghana's former Charlton and Millwall striker Kim Grant, is a key figure for his new club which is based near the Dutch border.

And he faces a big game tonight against derby rivals Gent, which should attract a 13,000 crowd, when he will extend his ever-present record.

"It's only three bookings for a suspension and I'm on two so I'm glad to be able to play tonight," he added.

Meanwhile, the Clarets reserves launch their Pontin's Group Cup campaign at Rotherham tonight (kick-off 7pm) when a number of players will be looking to stake a claim for a place in manager Stan Ternent's plans at Millwall on Saturday. Andy Cooke, Tom Cowan and John Mullin could all benefit from an impressive showing at Millmoor.

Cooke and Mullin both featured as substitutes in the defeat against Scunthorpe on Sunday and Mullin is closing in on full fitness and a possible starting spot.

"I'm getting there. I'm only going to get there with games and 45 minutes on Sunday will have helped.

"Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll get a bit more match practice because I want to get back in the team and I want to get back playing like I can do," he said.

Accrington Clarets still have places available on their coach to Millwall this Saturday.

For further details, please contact: Phil on 01254 387230.

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