Grezza set for new deal

Alexander joined the Clarets just before the summer transfer window closed in August 2007 and manager Steve Cotterill sprung a surprise by playing him in midfield at Colchester on his debut.

He only moved to right back when Michael Duff suffered his cruciate ligament injury and this season, with Duff back in the side, he's played a number of games back in that midfield role.

There were raised eyebrows last year when we offered a player not far short of his 36^th birthday a two year deal. But there will be no surprise amongst Burnley fans now to learn that the club are keen to keep the Scottish international at Turf Moor beyond the end of this season.

Manager Owen Coyle said of Alexander: "He knows the opinion I've got of him, I've already had dialogue with him. He knows exactly where we are in terms of finance at the club, and we'll try to do something.

"From day one when I came in he's been a godsend. He's the type of player you want to work with. If I ask him to do a job, I know it's going to be done the way I want it done. Graham was outstanding against Arsenal, he's played every minute of every game for me this season and it shows the esteem I hold him in."

Coyle added: "He can go on for as long as he wants to. What he has in his makeup, other than being a gifted footballer, is a real desire. His fitness levels are there and, touch wood, although he's had a knock this week, he can stay injury free, and that's key. He has a better physique than I ever had, and that helps his longevity."

"He wasn't able to train yesterday and Coyle continued: "He very rarely misses a training session, I think this one is the first I can recall, and he wanted to be out there, but I've put the brakes on him to temper it so he's okay. After the last international break I had to ring him up and say not to come in on the Thursday after the Scotland game, to make sure I didn't see him until the Friday, otherwise he would have been in.

"It's important we look after him in terms of rest, and we're benefiting from that. What a perfect role model for anybody aspiring to be a top player. I think some of the Arsenal team will have looked at his performance and know he's a Scottish international and has played against the very best, and for someone of 37 to cover the ground he did, and pass the ball as well as he did, showed that is how to be a real professional."