ANDY Cooke has signed a new three-year contract at Burnley with his sights set firmly on playing at a higher level,writes PETE OLIVER.

Burnley boss Stan Ternent delivered the news all Clarets fans wanted to hear when he revealed that Cooke and Glen Little had agreed new contracts.

Cooke has made no secret of his desire to better himself and Burnley are unlikely to stand in his way in the future if a top club is ready to pay big money.

But the Clarets have proved their desire to keep him and both club and player are now hoping the success Cooke craves will come at Turf Moor.

"If I keep playing the way I can and improve - and I think the manager can certainly improve me as a player as he has proved in the past with other players - then maybe I can play at a higher level.

"But for now all I am concentrating on is being back here next season. Some people might disagree with the way he plays. Everybody has their own opinions but he has got teams out of this division and I just hope he can get Burnley out of this division."

"The manager has said I am not going anywhere. If the right offer comes in that he agrees with then he won't stand in my way but he said quite strongly that I am definitely not going anywhere."

Little's performances on the right-hand side of midfield allied to 20 goals from Cooke did much to stave off relegation last season and Burnley responded by replacing the remaining year of their existing contracts with the new deals.

In Cooke's case they are also protecting one of their most valuable assets who would have been free to leave for nothing under the Bosman ruling next summer and therefore would probably have been available sooner given a decent offer.

"I am pleased they decided to stay. I think it's fair to say they are up-and-coming lads who are going to get better. It's good business for Burnley," confirmed Ternent. "They have shown a commitment and want to stay and want to play which is more important than anything.

"That's the first question that has to be asked. They said 'We want to stay gaffer' so I said 'Let's get down to business'."

Cooke, who had originally planned to stall on the new deal first put to him at the end of last season, added: "I went to see him and was in for quite a while trying to sort something out. Eventually we came to an agreement and I was happy to sign.

"The manager knows the sort of player I am. I feel settled with the manager. If I didn't or didn't like him and the other way round I would have reconsidered or held out. I have made the right decision."

The 24-year-old striker's ability is well known to Ternent which was a big factor in Cooke reaching a quick agreement. He added: "I won't be going back into training trying to impress and getting uptight. That's an advantage, not wasting valuable time trying to impress.

"He will do very well for Burnley. I think he is another fans' choice and I am looking forward to getting to work with him."

Ternent will look to sort out the remaining out-of-contract players when he returns from holiday with Paul Weller sure to be near the top of the list.

The Burnley boss had talks with Weller yesterday and plans further discussions aimed at keeping the player at Turf Moor prior to the return for pre-season training.

Burnley's reserves will play pre-season games at Barrow on July 13, Winsford on August 3 and Lancaster on August 6, all kick-off at 7.30pm.

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