Burnley FC goalkeeper Brian Jensen hands in transfer request

But Clarets boss Brian Laws insists the door remains open for the club’s longest-serving player at Turf Moor.

The 35-year-old has been on the bench for the last eight matches, with summer signing Lee Grant preferred since his superb display in the Carling Cup exit at Aston Villa.

And with the big Dane looking for regular football, he has asked to leave in the January transfer window.

It is Jensen’s third such request in seven years at the club, having fought off a succession of rivals for his jersey, including Danny Coyne, Gabor Kiraly and Diego Penny. Laws said: “We’ve stated all along, the squad we have is as strong as anybody’s and they are experienced players, and frustration will always get the better of them if they aren’t playing.

“The tough one was always going to be the two goalkeepers, and I think we’ve got two of the best in the division.

“But somebody is going to be disappointed, and at the moment it’s Brian.

“He just wants to play, and at his age, I fully understand that.

“He sees the January window as an opportunity to go out and play.”

Laws added: “He’s made me aware he’s not happy, I’ve had conversations with him, and we knew this scenario was going to crop up at some time.

“We’ve had Kevin McDonald return from having a taste of playing on loan with Scunthorpe, and he wants to get back in at Burnley and see if he can make a mark, so we have had two contrasting reactions, and unfortunately, Brian can’t play in any other position.

“There’s nothing personal, we’re disappointed as we don’t want to see anybody leave, but we also understand his position.

“There’s no fall out.

“But it’s not a case of accepting the request, we understand where he’s coming from, and if there’s anything out there for him.

“I’ve spoken to his agent and Brian and he’s in the squad for Barnsley, so we’ll get on with it until something changes.”

Jensen has made 294 appearances since arriving from West Brom in the summer of 2003 and, after being signed by Stan Ternent, he has signed new contracts under Steve Cotterill, Owen Coyle and Laws.

Laws added: “He’s reacted before, history tells us that, and he’s found himself back in the team, so maybe it’s a lucky omen for him, I don’t know.

“It’s a mutual understanding though, we appreciate he’s just an experienced player who wants to play.”