Burnley midfielder Dean Marney signs new two-year deal

Burnley midfielder Dean Marney has signed a new two-year deal which secures his future with the Clarets until the summer of 2017.

The 31-year-old is nearing full fitness after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in February and is delighted to have secured a new contract at Turf Moor.

He said: "I'm over the moon to secure my future for the next couple of years. I love it here, if it was for five years to stay here then I would have signed that!

"I've said it from day one, it's a great club and the last few years have been great years for myself and for the club, so I obviously just want to be a part of the future and I'm really looking forward to the next two seasons."

Marney, who has been with the club since 2010, picked up his injury in the 2-2 draw with West Brom last season, and is confident of a return to the fold in the not-too-distant future. He scored in a Development Squad match two weeks ago, but insists he does not have a return date in mind.

"It's progressing really well. I'm quite a bit ahead of where I thought I was going to be," he said.

"I've not set myself any targets really. We've got the international break coming up so that will be another week but I just want to get back as soon as possible really."

[The injury] is progressing really well. I'm quite a bit ahead of where I thought I was going to be.

The former Tottenham player is aware of the task he faces breaking back into the side, with the team on a four-game winning streak.

"Obviously the lads are doing well at the minute and I know that it's going to be tough to get back in the side, but I'm working hard at the minute," he said.

"As long as I can show the gaffer that I'm ready then obviously the ball will be in the gaffer's court."