BURNLEY veteran Michael Duff has put talks over a new contract on hold as he focuses solely on helping keep the Clarets in the Premier League.
The 37-year-old has returned to the starting line-up for the last two games, but is out of contract at the end of the season.
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But Duff, who is celebrating his 11th year at Turf Moor with a testimonial in the summer, said talks over a new deal were the last thing on his mind with eight games of the Premier League season to go, although the defender has no plans to hang up his boots at the end of the campaign.
“I don’t think anything will be discussed yet, but I have no thoughts about retiring,” he said.
“We don’t know which division we will be in, and I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’ve not even mentioned a contract to anyone else, not even my agent.
“I’d rather just focus on staying in the league, and we’ll take it from there.”
Duff recently passed 350 appearances for the Clarets and has played 688 times in his career, having made his debut for Cheltenham Town in the Southern Premier League 19 years ago. He was part of the Robins’ remarkable rise through the leagues to the third tier, before joining Burnley, and he is the only player in history to play in England’s top eight divisions in ascending order.
Having lost his place through injury to Michael Keane, Duff spent almost four months out of the team before a surprise recall for the victory over Manchester City.
Duff looks back on his time with the Clarets with fondness.
“It’s been a decent 11 years I think – there’s been a lot more highs than lows,” he said.
“The first two or three years were hard, with the situation the club were in, but when you compare that to everything now, it’s night and day.
“I watched the reserve team at the training ground the other day and the pitch was unbelievable, and you see the plans, there’ll be a nice training ground when I’ve retired.
“I’ve been lucky to have been at the club through probably the most successful period, other than the glory years back in the sixties and that, which we often get reminded about.
“But I’m proud to have played for the club.”
With eight games to go Burnley are just a point behind 17th placed Sunderland, and Duff insists everyone in the squad is focused on survival, rather than discussions over new contracts.
His testimonial match will take place at Turf Moor on August 1 against unnamed opposition, while he also has other events planned, including a question and answer session with current and former players on April 30.
“I’ve got a few events and dates, a few things to be confirmed, and it’s nice to be offered one,” he said of the testimonial.
“I’ve spent a long time here, and it’s just an opportunity to hopefully get a few of the ex-players back to Turf Moor and have a few nights with the supporters.”
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