Branch: Cotterill can take us to Premiership

And the 34-year-old is hoping he can still play a part in the Clarets' quest to reach the promised land.

Branch has been restricted to just one substitute appearance this season, but is happy to wait his turn as Burnley strive to maintain the form that saw them sit in second spot in the Championship earlier in the campaign.

He believes the Clarets are ideally placed, not only to do that, but to go on and clinch a promotion place come the end of May.

He said: "The gaffer has performed miracles here.

"Stan (Ternent) did well in the time he was here, but the gaffer has moved things on again.

"It's hard to pinpoint why he is so successful, but he has his own way and the lads respond to that.

"I remember Stan's last words every week were go out and play with a chuckle in your boots'.

"The gaffer is a little more intense. He still wants us to enjoy our football, but he is a little more intense and he gets under people's skin when they need it.

"He has his ways. It's working so far and, at the end of the day, the lads are doing well and he has to be delighted with that.

"Hopefully they can get us into the Premiership because it's not impossible.

"I heard a quote from the chairman recently, where he said that it would be one of the greatest achievements in the club's history and I think the gaffer is the man to do it.

"He has performed miracles so far, so why not? "

The former Tranmere Rovers and Stockport County winger is one of only two survivors from the Stan Ternent era along with goalkeeper Brian Jensen.

And although his appearances have been limited so far this season, he has a testimonial to look forward to and he admitted he was happy to enjoy whatever time he had left at Turf Moor.

He added: "I was looking forward to the season because I knew there would be a bit more competition and I probably wouldn't play as many games.

"Unfortunately it hasn't happened for me yet, but there is still a long way to go, and I will carry on as I have so far."