CHRIS Brass is enjoying the challenge of helping to haul Halifax Town of the bottom of the Football League -- but admits he would run back to Turf Moor for the chance to return to the Clarets first-team.

Brass is three weeks into a loan spell at The Shay and was set to line up against Hull City this afternoon under recently appointed manager Paul Bracewell.

The former Fulham manager looks keen to extend Brass's stay beyond next weekend as he looks to engineer an escape from the drop zone.

And while that may happen, Brass will remain ready to answer the call should Burnley require defensive reinforcements.

He said: "My intention was to come here and play some games and get match-fit, which is something I haven't had for a while, and put myself in contention at Burnley.

"Now I've got match-fit I'll take it from there and see what develops.

"I've not particularly discussed it with Paul Bracewell. He asked me when my loan was up and was interested in extending it but it's really down to whether Stan lets me stay for another month.

"We'll have to discuss that come next weekend.

"But once this month is up if they want to extend the loan Burnley can re-call me whenever they want. Should they need me all they have to do is pick up the phone and I would run back to be playing at Burnley."

In the meantime, Brass is revelling in a midfield role with the Shaymen who went into today's game one point adrift at the bottom and with just one win to their credit so far.

He added: "It might be Third Division football but it's better than reserve-team football. I needed the games and it's still playing on a Saturday, in the League and hopefully making a difference.

"I have done quite well and I am enjoying it. I've been playing in the midfield holding role which has been good for my fitness.

"It was a difficult situation when I first came and I didn't really know what was happening at the club.

"I came, from a selfish note, to get fit but with the change of management Paul Bracewell has come in and everything is positive and professional and everything is geared to taking the club forward.

"Today is the manager's first home game. I'm sure we will get a bigger gate than we have been doing and everybody will be going for it to hopefully get our first home win."

Burnley currently have six players out on loan with the first month for Brass, Paul Smith, Alan Lee, Chris Scott and Michael Devenney expiring after next Saturday's fixture programme.

However, the arrival of Burnley old boy David Eyres at Oldham Athletic could put a question mark over a longer stay for Smith at Boundary Park. Smith loan future in the balance

Eyres has joined the Latics on a free transfer from Preston and will now lay claim to one of the left-sided roles.

"We needed a left sided player and he fits the bill. He's been involved in almost every Preston game this season, even it's been on the bench.

"I know what his qualities are and he just wants first team football so it's worked out fine," said Oldham boss Andy Ritchie, who will weigh up Smith's future in a week's time.

He added: "Paul has been involved in every game with us and his situation will be reviewed after the Northampton game a week on Saturday.

"We have today's game and then a game midweek so we'll assess the situation then and I'll have to make a decision."