Burnley keeper Jensen is back and ready for battle

MUCH like the Chumbawamba song they have played at Turf Moor for years, he gets knocked down, but he gets back up again.

You’re never going to keep Brian Jensen down.

That track has become part of the fabric of the matchday experience at the club, much like Jensen, and he insists he isn’t finished yet.

The 36-year-old is fit again after being sidelined since September with a groin injury picked up in the 2-1 defeat at Peterborough United.

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But after playing in the reserves a fortnight ago, and a behind-closed-doors friendly last week, he is ready to battle for the goalkeeper’s jersey again.

History suggests it will be back in his possession at some stage as well, having taken on, and sent packing, every rival in nine years with Burnley, including the likes of internationals Danny Coyne, Gabor Kiraly and Diego Penny.

Out of contract in the summer, Jensen’s first aim is to put pressure on Lee Grant, before earning a new deal which would take him into a testimonial season, after arriving from West Brom in June 2003.

Jensen feels he still has a lot to offer, and said: “Everyone talks about your age, but for a goalkeeper I’m not that old, I’ll just keep on going until the wheels come off, as long as I can contribute.

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“If I work hard I know I’ll have a chance of getting back in the side again, and that’s my goal.

“It’s the usual - you know the history - we’ll just have to continue that.

“I’ll do it again - I’m not going to give up on it. You never know if it’s too late, but there’s a long way to go and I’ll fight hard and see if I get my chance. If I do, I have to hold on to it.

“I started quite late, at 21, and I love it too much, I’ll stop when my body says.”

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That contract is at the back of his mind at present, with a starting line-up the immediate goal: “I’ve spoken to the gaffer but he said he’s not going to do anything about it until I was back fit, so that’s the first priority.”

And asked about the prospect of a testimonial, he smiled: “It has crossed my mind...”

But aside from that side issue, Jensen is merely happy to remain at a club which has fit him like a glove.

The move has been mutually beneficial, with the promotion three years ago making everyone’s dreams come true, and Jensen said: “I didn’t think I’d be here this long, players have ambitions and Burnley have fulfilled mine, that’s why I’ve stayed. We’ve had our ups and downs, but it’s been really good, I’ve been really happy, that’s why I’ve stayed here this long.

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“I wouldn’t say I expected to, but I don’t think anybody does to be 10 years at a club.

“But if ambitions are right and expectations, then why not?”

The Beast believes Eddie Howe’s bright young squad are on the right lines to repeat the target of a return to the Premier League: “We can do it again, of course, we’re starting from scratch and I’ve seen it before when you get young players in, you have to start all over again, but as you can see, it’s working.

“We’re playing well and getting results and it’s very good for the future.

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“The form we’re in is what you need to show to get involved up there, but it’s not going to be easy, I’ve been through it too many times.

“It’s a young side, but they will learn the more they play, and we need the experience of Duffo, and Granty, and I can add experience if I get back into the side, and Deano as well.

“But so far, so good, they’re doing really well.”