BURNLEY today received a huge New Year boost after Aston Villa agreed to let Gary Cahill stay at Turf Moor for the rest of the season.

Teenage defender Cahill has made a massive impact during his first two months on loan with the Clarets.

The 18-year-old, who made his senior debut against Tottenham Hotspur in November, has now played eight games at the heart of the defence alongside either Frank Sinclair or John McGreal.

And boss Steve Cotterill was delighted to finally secure the services of the England U20 star for the remainder of the current campaign.

"It's fantastic news," said Cotterill ahead of today's Championship clash with Leicester City at Turf Moor (3pm KO).

"We always said we wanted to sign Gary for the rest of the season, so we thank Aston Villa for extending his loan and we look forward to having him here."

Meanwhile, Robbie Blake was today still officially a Burnley player, despite media reports surfacing yesterday that Birmingham City have agreed a £1.5million fee.

Burnley chairman Barry Kilby has put transfer talks on ice until the New Year celebrations die down.

And with Blake unable to register for City until January 5, due to the opening of the Premiership transfer window falling over a Bank Holiday weekend, the Blues are not now expected to announce Blake as a City player until at least Tuesday.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce admitted: "There is still a little bit to tie up at Robbie's end, but we hope that we can do that in the next couple of days.

"He is 28 and he's got really good ability and I think he can play in the Premier League although it's always a bit of a gamble.

"But he's a little bit of a different player to what we've got and he would give us an extra striking option, so I'm sure he would be a good acquisition."

Burnley have landed another £60,000 windfall following the announcement that the Championship clash with Sunderland later this year will be screened live on Sky Television.

The Turf Moor game, due to be played on Saturday, March 5, will now be brought forward to kick-off on Friday, March 4 (7.45pm).