Chris Eagles figured in 34 of the Clarets' top-flight games in 2009/10 with 20 starts in the Barclays Premier League.

Stand-out performances at Manchester United and Arsenal proved he could mix it with the best, although his three goals all came in losing causes away from home.

And there was more delight for Clarets fans in August 2010 when, with less than 12 months remaining on his curent contract, he signed a new two-year deal keeping him at Turf Moor until the summer of 2012.

The former United winger had made a major impact in his first season at Burnley after arriving from Old Trafford for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal in July, 2008.

Eagles played a prominent role in the Clarets' promotion from the Championship, making a total of 41 appearances, scoring seven goals, in the 2008/09 season.

The former England Youth international had previously made more than a dozen senior appearances for Manchester United after coming through the club's youth set-up, helping Alex Ferguson's side to clinch the title in 2007 with a crucial goal at Everton.

Eagles also gained valuable first-team experience during lengthy loan spells in the Championship with Watford and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as Dutch side NEC Nijmegen, before making Burnley his second permanent club.