CHRIS McCann is set to be rewarded for his part in steering Burnley to the Premier League with a new contract.

Manager Owen Coyle met with McCann’s represen-tative this week to discuss a minimum three-year extension, which will bring him in line with the club’s best earners.

The young midfielder still has one year left to run on his contract, after signing a revised deal during the 2006/07 season, just two years on from earning his first professional contract.

Eleven of his team-mates, including Robbie Blake, Joey Gudjonsson and captain Steven Caldwell, are in a similar predicament as the Clarets prepare for their first season in English football’s top flight for 33 years.

But McCann’s situation is more unique, and perhaps pressing, than most after he emerged through the club’s youth ranks.

As a result of his progression, the 21-year-old’s current contract is thought to be around the lower end of the wage spectrum, and while making plans to add to his squad ahead of Burnley’s inaugural Premier League campaign, Coyle is also conscious of looking after the Clarets’ prized young assets.

“We want to sort something out for Chris,” said the Burnley boss, who has already dubbed McCann as ‘ready-made for the Premier League’.

“First and foremost we want him on a long-term contract, but also one where he knows he’s at the top end of our wage structure.”

McCann has played 139 league games since making his debut as a first-half substitute against Coventry while still an apprentice in August 2005.

In Burnley’s 61-game promotion-winning campaign, the Dubliner played in 56, and scored one of his eight goals last term in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg, as Spurs were pushed right to the wire at Turf Moor.

His rising stock has brought him to the attention of a number of Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa reportedly the most interested.

But Burnley will hope to tie him to a new deal ahead of his 22nd birthday next month.