Irish Ayes!

Two of our Northern Ireland Internationals, Kyle Lafferty and Michael Duff were delighted to sign new contracts with the Clarets earlier this week

The lads both signed three-and-a-half year deals up to the summer of 2010.

Michael Duff said of his deal:

'Football can be an unpredictable career, so this eases those worries. But much more than that, I was happy to commit for a variety of reasons.

'The club has been good to me. The gaffer might have taken a risk as I'd never played at this level, but I'd like to think I've proved I can do that and the progress being made has convinced me this is the right place.'

Duff continued:

'The manager is a huge factor. He has been a big influence on my career since I met him and he is another reason I signed.

'Everyone knows he is ambitious and he is desperate to take us with him with what I think is the strongest squad in my three years here.'

'I am looking forward to the next three years and hopefully the club will go on to bigger and better things.'

Meanwhile, 19-year old Lafferty, the subject of a speculative bid from Celtic in the January Window had the following to say about his new contract:

'It is good news for myself, especially after all the speculation in the January transfer window,' said Lafferty.

'This shows that I am dedicated to the club and now I want to hopefully spend the next three and a half years here and help them to the Premiership.

'We still have players gelling in and I think next year we can push on. That's the ultimate aim and we just need to get our heads down and prove things again to the manager.'

Kyle added: 'It's great to be working with someone who supports you in everything you do and he (Cotterill), along with Terry Pashley, have been massive influences on bringing me through the ranks.

'But just as much, I love this club. It feels like home to me, so everything just seems right.'

Nice to see some of the positive comments above about our manager and club and well done to the boys for saying 'aye' to new contracts.

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