STEVEN Thompson’s last goal for Burnley was a special one, possibly a career best, he believes.

“It’s probably one of the most important goals I’ve ever scored,” he said.

Tomorrow he returns to the scene of that strike; the second goal of the play-off semi-final second leg at the Madejski Stadium - the third against Reading on aggregate. It was a goal that made certain of the Clarets’ passage to Wembley, and ultimately the Premier League.

But that is in the past. Thompson is working on a Turf Moor future.

The 31-year-old has yet to start a top flight game for the Clarets, but hopes almost an hour at Old Trafford on Brian Laws’ debut - his longest run-out of the season - has made an impression on the new manager, both for the short term and Burnley’s FA Cup ambitions, but also in his bid to earn a new deal.

Thompson is one of 10 players whose current deals expire in the summer. Early talks had begun with former boss Owen Coyle, but the former Ranger and Cardiff striker admits they are all starting from scratch now.

“I had basic chats with the last manager and I think a lot of the players had been in talks just at the informal stage,” he said.

“Everybody’s going to have to try to impress the new manager because ultimately he’ll decide who he wants to stay and who he wants to leave the club.

“It certainly keeps everybody on their toes. Everybody will be giving 100 per cent to try to impress the manager.”

And he is hoping to get the minutes he craves to prove himself.

“The bits I’ve been getting have been five minutes here and 10 minutes there. It’s been extremely difficult to get yourself going in that time,” Thompson continued.

“It was nice to get on the pitch for a good spell (against Manchester United) and I felt really comfortable and really enjoyed it.

“I’ve been in the situation before. When I was at Rangers I had fantastic players playing ahead of me and you’ve just got to keep working away and hopefully you can get in.

“Fletch (Steven Fletcher) has been doing very well and I think everybody can see what a quality player he is. When you play only one up front like that it makes it difficult to get into the side.

“I’ve no complaints, but it would be nice to get on a bit more.”

Thompson could get the nod in the FA Cup fourth round this afternoon as Laws bids to cast more of an eye over his new squad, while also looking ahead to Tuesday’s important derby with Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok, where they have the chance to earn their first league away win against former manager Owen Coyle.

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