GARRETH O'Connor is pressing his claims for a Burnley first-team spot again after returning from a difficult loan spell at Bournemouth.

The transfer-listed midfielder is back with the Clarets following a three-month loan stint at Dean Court, where he was restricted to just nine appearances after struggling with fitness and injuries.

Despite a tricky time at the Cherries, who are struggling near the foot of League One, the Dubliner will be keen to prove to Burnley manager Steve Cotterill that he is no longer surplus to requirements.

O'Connor enjoyed a fine first season at Turf Moor after joining from Bournemouth in the summer of 2005, scoring eight goals, including several stunning free-kicks, as he commanded a regular first-team spot.

But last term, the 28-year-old soon fell out-of-favour and made only substitute appearances before being placed on the transfer list.

He jumped at the chance to return to his former club Bournemouth in the summer, but his loan stint has proved far from spectacular, with the Irishman candid to admit that his disappointing form played a part in the south coast club's slide into the League One relegation zone.

However, O'Connor, who is out of contract with the Clarets next summer, may well look to the example set by fellow midfielder John Spicer in scrapping for his Clarets shirt.

Spicer was in a similar situation last season at Turf Moor, spending most of his time on the substitutes bench or sat in the stands.

But the former Arsenal man's perseverance has recently paid dividends.

He made his first start in 18 months in Burnley's 2-2 draw against Ipswich on October 2, his previous start coming on the final game of the 2005/06 campaign.

Spicer also took to the field against against Cardiff last Saturday, and was singled out for praise from Cotterill, who described him 'the best player by a mile' in the first-half at Ninian Park.

But O'Connor was honest to concede that he failed to produce his best at Bournemouth, admitting that his below-par form contributed to their downfall.

"It's been a big disappointment. The manager brought me in thinking I could perform as I had when I was here before, but it just didn't happen," said O'Connor, who was subbed in all seven of his starts at Dean Court.

"I was excited when I found out that Bournemouth wanted me. "I was looking forward to coming back but didn't do the business.

"There are a number of reasons, but mainly fitness. I think I've had more injuries in the past three months than I had in all the time I was here before.

"But it's been physical rather than mental. We had a bad start and although it wasn't entirely my fault, I will take my share of the blame."

Cherries boss Kevin Bond said: "I think Garreth suffered because he'd had the best part of a year out of competitive football and found it difficult to recapture the form we all know he's capable of."