IF anyone epitomises the new regime at Turf Moor then it is Jon Harley.

The experienced defender is enjoying a new lease of life under Owen Coyle and has started every game since the Scot took charge at Turf Moor last month.

Harley, a virtual ever present since arriving at Burnley in August 2005, was ousted from left back at the start of the season after the summer arrival of Stephen Jordan - then lost his place in the starting line-up on the left side of midfield.

But now the former Chelsea defender is looking to continue his stint in the side at Ipswich on Saturday and repay the faith Coyle has shown in him.

In fact, he has been named in the Championship's team of the week for the last two weeks.

"The new manager has come in and giving everyone a lift," said the 28-year-old. "He's been fantastic really.

"He has told us all to relax and go out and enjoy it because we are all good players. He knows that and we all know that and I am really enjoying my football right now, and I think the team as a whole is."

Harley was in and out of the side under Steve Cotterill at the start of the campaign but admits he deserved to be dropped.

"I wasn't playing particularly well and I was frustrated as I was not pushing myself into the team," added Harley, now restored at left back. "I wasn't playing great, which is why I wasn't knocking on the manager's door and asking why I wasn't playing.

"I did speak to Steve Cotterill at the time and he was quite honest with me and agreed that my form wasn't good enough."

Harley, signed from Sheffield United by Cotterill, revealed he was happy to play in an unfamiliar role in midfield although, ultimately, it cost him his place in the side.

He said: "Steve (Cotterill) wanted to try me out wide, but it didn't quite work out and I stumbled out of the team.

"I can't put a finger on it, but it wasn't exactly working to perfection. But I have worked hard and the last few games, I have won my place back and stayed in the team."

The summer signing of Jordan has increased the competition for places - something Harley believes has improved him as a player.

He added: "A new signing can work both ways. It is going to make you work hard because you know if your standard drops you'll be out of the team.

"It makes you raise your game on the whole. It can only be a good thing with added competition, but it does play on your mind a bit as you know you can't relax.

"Competition is all about taking your chance though. Stephen was playing really well and I was just waiting and waiting really.

"One player's misfortune is another's fortune, really, so I was fortunate to get in the team and it's up to me to keep hold of my shirt now."

"My goals are strictly short term. I just want to keep my place in the team."