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Burnley defender Kevin Long signs new contract until 2021

Burnley defender Kevin Long
Image: Kevin Long has made 55 appearances for Burnley, scoring three goals

Burnley defender Kevin Long has signed a new contract until the summer of 2021.

The 28-year-old centre-back has been with the Clarets since joining from Cork City in January 2010.

"Talks started at the end of last season and moved on from there," said Long, who has won eight caps for the Republic of Ireland.

"I came back in the summer to go again and I still really enjoy being here and I'm delighted that it will be for another three years.

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"Ever since I've been here the club has gone from strength to strength. It's progressed massively, and I think it will continue to do, as long as we keep making sure the performances on the pitch are moving forward."

The new deal replaces the three-year agreement Long signed in August 2017.

He made 19 appearances for Burnley last season, including 16 in the Premier League as he helped them finish seventh.

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Image: Long has won eight caps for Ireland

So far this term he has featured in only one league game among five appearances in all competitions.

Long added: "Last season I played quite a few games in the Premier League, which is the highest level and where you want to be.

"I'm not in the team at the moment with Tarky [James Tarkowski] and Ben [Mee] doing well and so I've got to bide my time again.

"You have to wait for a chance and then try and take it when it comes, which I think I did last season.

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"I want to be playing games and I'm not happy when I'm not in the team.

"My main aim is to get in the starting line-up. But you can only pick 11 and I have to be patient and keep working hard.

"And when the chance comes, I like to think I help the team and I want that to continue."

Long has had loan spells with Accrington, Rochdale, Portsmouth, Barnsley and MK Dons during his time with Burnley.

He is part of the Ireland squad preparing for the Nations League matches against Denmark on Saturday and Wales on Tuesday, with both games live on Sky Sports.

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