BRIAN Reid is concentrating all his energies on pushing for a first-team return, before sorting out his Burnley future in the summer.

Scottish Premier League strugglers Dunfermline have reportedly been keeping tabs on the former Rangers defender.

As he is out of contract at the end of the season, the Pars won't actually have to go through Burnley if they are contemplating an approach.

But while Reid has seen the reports in the Scottish Press he confirmed that any interest is news to him.

The Scot, who became a father for the first time earlier this season, has settled in Burnley and will be talking at a later date with Clarets boss Stan Ternent about his contract offer.

"I have enjoyed my time here. Everyone has been really good with me but I have still to really discuss it with the manager," said Reid, who, all things being equal, looks keen to stay at Turf Moor.

More pressing for the player at the moment, is his desire to force his way back into the Burnley side.

Reid had missed only one game since signing for the Clarets at the start of September before injuring a knee while trying to repel the forces of Manchester City nine matches ago.

That kept him out for three games and since then he has made it back only as far as the bench with Chris Brass seizing his chance with boths hands in a seven-game unbeaten run.

"It's just frustrating now because I want to get back into the team," added Reid, who admits that his knee is still "niggling a bit."

"I am playing in the reserves to help my match fitness but I still hope to play in the first-team before the end of the season. "I have been on the bench but the others have been doing well and I haven't been 100 per cent so there's no point in taking risks.

"But I want to play a part this season and get back in the team. The last thing I wanted was to get injured at this time because I want to help the club."

Reid got another 90 minutes action under his belt last night when he played in the reserves' 2-2 draw at West Bromwich Albion.

It was a competitive, physical game which Reid came through solidly to help his return to full fitness ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke City when Andy Payton and Glen Little are expected to return.

And the Clarets also included Everton midfielder Michael O'Brien in their line-up at the Hawthorns.

The 19-year-old former youth team skipper at Goodison Park is being released in the summer and Ternent took his first look at the player in match action. O'Brien, who has been training with Burnley, turned in an impressive performance as Ternent decides whether to pursue his interest.

Burnley's Pontins League derby at Bolton Wanderers has been brought forward 24 hours to next Tuesday night (kick-off 7pm).

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