Blake fears Clarets exit

The 34-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has become increasingly frustrated at his lack of first-team action since Brian Laws succeeded Owen Coyle as manager in January and admitted he may have to leave the club in order to find regular first team football.

He said: “As we lie now I’d have to say it’s a very slim possibility that I will be here to be honest. I’m 34 and I need to play games.

“I’ve been very frustrated with the lack of chances I’ve had obviously since the new gaffer has been here.

“It’s been disappointing and I need to play football. I love the football club, I love the fans and I love everyone connected with the club but it’s about playing games now and that’s what I need to do.

“I’m in the last two years of my career and I want to enjoy my football and make sure I’m playing. I’m only enjoying my football when I’m playing so it’s highly unlikely I will be here unless there’s a drastic change in the next few weeks.”

Blake, who has scored 72 goals in 281 appearances over two spells for the Clarets, etched his name into the history books after scoring Burnley’s first-ever Premier League goal in the famous 1-0 win over champions Manchester United in August. He also broke the deadlock with a 5th minute wonder-strike in the 3-2 defeat against East Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in October.

However, despite his limited opportunity since the departure of Coyle, Blake has denied any suggestion of a rift with Laws. He added: “The manager picks the team and I’ve got no problem with Brian Laws. If he picks the team and I’m not in it, that’s his decision. But I still believe I should be in that team and you ask every individual player and they’d say the same thing.

“I’m just disappointed with the lack of chances I’ve had considering at the start of the season I was an ever present. Obviously we’re sitting down as we speak really. I know any manager can’t guarantee that you’re going to play but it’s just my gut feeling at this moment that I need to move and start playing.

“It would be a hard decision. Coming back and getting a second chance at a club that has been great to me over the years, it’s just a fantastic club and such a unique club.

“Everyone pulls in the right direction and it will be sad to go but it’s just purely I’m 34 now and it’s football reasons, that’s all it would be. It’s not a case of not wanting to be here. It will be really upsetting for me to leave.”