MANAGER Adrian Heath has opened contract negotiations with the Clarets' number one.

And with his current deal due to expire next month, Marlon Beresford exclusively told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph today: "I'm happy to stay at Burnley."

He added: "I've spoken to the manager on a couple of occasions about the contract.

"Although we have not sorted anything out financially I've never said I wanted to leave Burnley.

"I've always been very happy at the club, although I have to keep my options open.

"I've still got ambitions to play at the highest level and, if anything did come along, then I'd have to look at all options.

"I've been very impressed with the manager. I think next season could be quite an exciting one. I will just have to see what develops over the next few weeks."

Beresford is rated as one of the finest goalkeeping talents outside the Premiership.

And a transfer would be sure to command a million pound price tag.

But Heath is desperate to keep Beresford at Turf Moor and added: "I am very hopeful Marlon will still be with us next season. He is a very fine goalkeeper." Meanwhile, Heath has demanded a rousing finale to the Second Division campaign against Shrewsbury Town tomorrow.

The Burnley chief is keen for the Clarets to finish on a winning note at Turf Moor as he begins to plan towards next season.

"We have not given our supporters enough to cheer about at Turf Moor," said Heath.

"Burnley have always prided ourselves on their home form, yet this year we have simply not produced the goods.

"In fact, one of the biggest disappointments for me since I came back to Burnley has been our home form.

"I cannot praise our support enough away from home and in most of our recent matches that has been reflected in the way we've played."

Heath will be without the suspended Charlie Bishop for tomorrow's clash added: "I am due to speak to Charlie again today. I am hopeful of finalising the deal over the weekend."

Burnley from: Beresford, Russell, Parkinson, Harrison, Swan, Winstanley, Eyres, Smith, Weller, Thompson, Joyce, Harper, Nogan, Robinson, Heath, Helliwell.

Shrewsbury from: Edwards, Whiston, Spink, Seabury, Lynch, Walton, Evans, Scott, Wray, Currie, Stevens, Anthrobus, Berkley, King.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.