Clarets linked with Thomas

Thomas has been offered a new contract at Kenilworth Road following the end of his current deal this summer.

But sources in Luton suggest the Clarets are keen on the former Tottenham player, with the possibility of a coaching role included in any packge.

The 34-year-old left-sided former England B international could provide useful experience in the Burnley set-up if manager Stan Ternent's interest is confirmed.

And if Thomas made the switch to Burnley, he would rejoin former Hatters team-mate Steve Davis, who has set his sights on returning to the First Division and mounting a challenge for Premiership football at Turf Moor.

Davis averted a step in the other direction by helping the Clarets beat the drop following his £750,000 return from Luton in mid-season.

And the central defender believes Ternent's squad will be capable of fulfilling his ambitions next term.

"I am excited about next season and I think we are going to do well," said Davis. "I don't want to tempt fate but if the run we finished this season is anything to go by and the manager brings in some new faces again with time to gel in pre-season then hopefully we can be up there.

"I came to get back into the First Division. I won't be happy just to be in the top half of the table and I'm sure the other lads feel the same way.

"We need to get back into the First Division and with one or two additions I think we should be equipped to get there.

"And I think there would be a big difference between this time and last time. We would have some financial backing which you need if you are going to survive."

Davis, who helped the Clarets into the First Division for a one-year stay in 1994, returned to Turf Moor after three-and-a-half seasons at Luton.

And while he would love to play the rest of his career at his 'home' club, the 30-year-old has no intention of winding down. "I have not come here to be put out to grass. I have still got plenty to play for," he insisted.

"I still want to get into the Premier League. I still feel I'm good enough to play in the Premier League and I don't see any reason why I can't do that with Burnley.

"If we get into the First Division I'm sure there would be new faces and as long as I'm still doing my stuff I'd like to be part of that, although let's take it one step at a time," added Davis.

Burnley boss Ternent also believes his big-money buy has what it takes to play at the highest level and his performances this season were reflected by his selection in the PFA's Second Division team.

After taking a few weeks to find his feet on his return, Davis proved to be a rock in the Clarets defence, despite playing his last 10 games with a double hernia problem which required surgery once Burnley's Second Division safety was assured.

"I first felt it before the Preston game and after that I didn't train at all. I just used to do the team-play on a Friday before each game. It was just a case of getting through the games.

"It was quite painful, especially in the last three or four games, so I was delighted when we beat Fulham and it was nice to get it done," added Davis, who is currently undergoing a rehabilitation programme to get him on a par with the rest of the Burnley squad when they return for pre-season training at the start of July.

"I don't think I'll be behind. It might take a week or so before I start kicking a ball but I should be running and that's the most important thing at that stage," he said.

Former Clarets boss Adrian Heath has joined Lou Macari as a front-runner to replace Steve Bruce as manager of Sheffield United.

Burnley's 'A' team were pipped to the Lancashire League title by Tranmere Rovers, who finished level on points with the Clarets after winning their last game but took the championship thanks to their superior goal-scoring record.

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