DAVID Unsworth is no stickler for personal milestones or blowing his own trumpet.

But as Burnley's veteran defender gears up for his 500th club career apperance, he admits he may afford himself a trip down memory lane - provided the Clarets put the boot into poor Colchester.

The 34-year-old will make his landmark appearance tomorrow, in his 17th season as a professional that began at boyhood favourites Everton.

Unsworth made his debut for the Toffees back in April 1992 at Tottenham, where he grabbed the equaliser in a 3-3 draw, and later represented seven more clubs.

"It's a nice landmark - but it won't mean a thing if we don't win tomorrow," he said.

"I'm not one for looking back. I prefer to look forward and seek the challenges ahead.

"But if we win tomorrow, it will make it that little bit more special. It will allow me to reflect on my career a bit more.

"My first game was against Tottenham at White Hart Lane. I remember it was Gary Lineker's last game for Spurs.

"We were getting beat 3-0 at half-time and, luckily, I came on as a subsitute and scored the equaliser. That was a great moment for me."

Born and raised in Chorley, where he studied at Parklands High School, Unsworth reached the pinnacle of his career when he captained the Toffees in 1997, two years after landing his one and only England cap against Japan.

A well-travelled career has also seen the full-blooded centre-back sport the colours of West Ham, Portsmouth, Ipswich, Sheffield United and Wigan, before joining Burnley last summer.

Although now in the latter stages of his career, Unsworth has intention of hanging up his boots quite yet.

He said: "I feel great. I've been very lucky with injuries this year and not missed any training sessions.

"I feel I've still got two or three more years left in me. I've not got to the stage yet where I can't get out of bed on a Sunday morning.

"I'm stll enjoying it and I've still got that desire to do well on a personal front, and to play my part in what will hopefully be a successful campaign this season."

In a hugely-experienced side, Unsworth is not the oldest player on Burnley's books.

Graham Alexander, at 36, holds that particular title, while Andrew Cole and centre-back partner Stanislav Varga are not far behind the full-back.

But all of them are mere juniors compared to the seemingly ageless Teddy Sheringham, who is still going strong at 40.

The former Tottenham, Manchester United and England striker may only be on the bench for Colchester tomorrow, but Unsworth has plenty of time and respect for the player who made his professional debut back in 1984.

"It would be a nice moment if I came up against Teddy again," said Unsworth.

"There's no doubt - no matter how old he is - that he is still quality.

"He's had a phenomenal career, and he's been showing that down there (at Colchester). He's still got great touches on the ball and an eye for goal.

"I hope he is playing because you always want to test yourself against quality players every week."

For now, Unsworth is concentrating on helping steer the Clarets towards the Championship play-offs.

The defender has not given up hope of another crack in the Premier League and believes landing promotion with Burnley would represent one of the best achievements in his career.

He said: "Without a doubt, if I went back into the Premier League, it would be with Burnley.

"I've got to the stage of my career that I don't want to move any more. I would like to finish my career here.

"I would like to play a part - whether it's big or small - to get this club into the Premier League.

"That would be one of the best achievements in my career. It would be fantastic for us.

"We are in a great position and we've beaten all the top teams.

"There's no fear factor. We know when we play at our best that we're probably one of the best teams in the Championship."

And with veteran striker Andrew Cole now among the Clarets ranks, Unsworth is backing the former Newcastle, Manchester United and Blackburn favourite to roll back the years.

He said: "Give him the opportunity and service and I've no doubts that Coley will bang the goals in for us.

"He's still very sharp. His sharpness is the key.

"Give him just half a chance, perhaps not even that, and the ball is in the back of the net.

"Having seen him in training over the last few days, he's still got all those attributes."