GRAHAM Alexander says his former Burnley team-mate, Michael Duff, deserves his day in the spotlight.

The defender will be supported by almost 100 family and friends, and thousands of Clarets fans, as he marks his testimonial with this afternoon’s friendly with Bradford City at Turf Moor.

While the event effectively marks the twilight of Duff’s career, Alexander is adamant the 37-year-old is still going strong.

“I speak to Duffo every now and again and he’s still got a great hunger to play games. I think that’s what you need,” said the former Preston man, who played until he was 40 in his second spell at Deepdale after reaching 1,000 career appearances with Burnley.

“It’s not about ticking boxes, it’s about how much you want to be out on that green stuff. He’s still got that and he plays in a position where he knows he can probably not be as exposed as he is in others, and I think he can go on for a good few years yet.

“He handles himself in the right way, knows the game inside out. It’s up to him how long he goes on for.”

Alexander recalls the injury that left Duff’s career hanging in the balance.

The fact that he not only recovered to play again, but have two seasons in the Premier League, he says speaks volumes about the stopper’s strength of character.

“I was there at the time when he got that injury, which dragged on my right back days after that because I had to go back and do the job,” he said.

“I was really pleased to see him come back then I could move back into midfield!

“I know how hard he worked to get back to full fitness. Then after that to play in the Premier League in two seasons ... fantastic. It’s testament to what a professional he is.

“You have to have a lot of desire to get over something like that and then continue your career, in an upward trajectory, which he has done.

“I’m sure it will be a great day for him. I hope it goes great. He might even nick a goal.”

Alexander, now manager of Fleetwood Town, knows the attention will not sit entirely easy with the 24-capped Northern Ireland international.

“Duffo is one of those lads who just wants to get on with his job and be part of a team and he’s always done that,” he said.

“I don’t think he is one to stand up and be in the limelight, but a player and a man like that, after such great service, deserves to be in the centre of attention.

“He will be today and he deserves it because he’s been a fantastic servant for Burnley and a great team-mate for all the lads who have been in the changing room over the years with him.

“He’s superb. He’s all in, he trains as he plays, which I love in a player. I like my players to be like that now as a manager, I liked my team-mates to be like that when I was a player.

“I think it’s the best way to be, and you know from that when you see him making tackles and headers in training and putting his body on the line you know he’s going to do that for you every single game.

“He was always behind the boys when he wasn’t in the team. He had a few disappointments when we got to the Premier League the first time when he wasn’t in the team now and then, but he always trained the same, and he always supported the boys who were in the team. That’s the biggest testament to him.

“He likes a social time with the boys too. That’s the all-round pro for me. He works hard and gives everything on the pitch, but he knows how to enjoy himself with the team. He’s a great lad to be around as well.”