VETERAN Graham Alexander does not believe he will have to sacrifice his international career to enhance his club ambitions.

The 37-year-old Scotland international will be the oldest outfield player in the Premier League when Burnley kick off the new season at Stoke’s Britannia Stadium on August 15.

But after starting all of the Clarets’ 61 league and cup games in their promotion winning campaign, as well as featuring in five Scotland games between August and March, the defensive midfielder is showing no signs of taking his foot off the gas.

Alexander agreed a new one-year contract extension almost three months ago, and is hoping to make it official by putting pen to paper this week.

Ahead of the 21st season of a career that began at Scunthorpe in March 1990, the former Preston North End stalwart is relishing his first appearance in the top flight.

He is determined to follow in the footsteps of manager Owen Coyle by playing on into his forties.

But unlike countryman Gary McAllister, who retired from international duty aged 34, and England midfielder Paul Scholes, who quit at 29 in order to prolong his Manchester United career, Alexander will continue to make himself available to Scotland boss George Burley and hope to add to his 38 caps.

“I’ll never pull myself out of the international side,” he said.

“Managers might have different opinions, but it’s been a privilege to play for Scotland for seven years. I love it, and From back page I’d love to carry on.

“I’ve wanted to play every game I’ve been involved in, and I’ve managed to get five appearances this year. Hopefully I’ll get more next season.

“But first and foremost I’ve got to play for Burnley for that to happen, and play well, and I’ll be concentrating on that all the time.”

Marathon man Alexander missed just 26 minutes of the Clarets’ epic 2008/09 campaign, and up until April’s trip to Derby County, he had played every second of the previous 52 games.

Injury forced his exit late in the second half at Pride Park, and also at Cardiff City two games later.

But with only 20 teams in the Premier League, compared to 24 in the Championship, and a bye in the Carling Cup first round following promotion to the Premier League, Alexander is hoping to benefit from a less hectic schedule next season.

Although his focus is solely on playing, he has, however, made preparations for when he does hang up his boots having passed his UEFA A-licence coaching badge this month.