DEAN Marney is determined to force his way back into the Burnley first team, after making his long-awaited comeback from injury.

The midfielder put his nine-month injury nightmare behind him by coming off the bench to help salvage a late point at Cardiff City on Saturday - making a crucial contribution by supplying the cross for the equaliser.

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It was Marney’s first taste of senior action since suffering cruciate knee ligament damage in February, in the 2-2 draw at home to West Brom, ruling him out for the rest of the Premier League season.

The 31-year-old had hoped to return earlier this season, but suffered a series of minor setbacks, including a thigh strain.

But, after working his way back to match fitness through development squad games, his patience paid off in earning a point against the Bluebirds.

And now he wants to take the next step back into the starting XI.

“It’s been a long time. I had a few setbacks with my thigh but that happens and I feel great now,” he said.

“I’m in good shape and ready to push for a starting place now hopefully.

“I was training before six months with the lads and had my first game at six months for the ressies (development squad), but then had the best part of nine weeks out with three different injuries so that was a real blow, but it gave me an opportunity to get even stronger really.

“I was on the bench against Brighton and I was just praying to get on really but the way the game was it was difficult.

“When we went 2-0 down at Cardiff I thought I had half a chance.

“You just try to come on and do what you can.

“It was good.”

And with an eye on Saturday’s visit of Preston North End, Marney added: “All I can do now is keep training well and show the gaffer that I’m ready.”

Burnley go into the game on the back of three consecutive draws, at Wolves and Cardiff either side of a home stalemate with new leaders Brighton.

The Clarets trailed 2-0 when Marney was brought on as a 67th minute replacement for David Jones, going on to score twice in the last five minutes, with Rouwen Hennings sparking the comeback with his first goal for the club.

“I’m really pleased for Rouwen, he’s been training hard,” said Marney.

“He had his opportunity last week and it’s always difficult when you’re in for a game, out for a game, but he’s a good player and I was delighted for him.

“I fancied us to nick one (after that) to be honest and then the ball came to myself and I managed to get a cross in.

“It was Keano (Michael Keane) who had a free header. I fancied him to score but I think it was just going wide but it just hit Matt Connolly and went in luckily enough for us, but I think we deserved that because of the handball in the first half.”

Lee Peltier’s raised left arm denied George Boyd a certain opener, and Marney added: “I think when the officials look back they’ll realised it’s a poor decision. I think everyone in the stadium could see that.

“But that’s how it goes.

“If the referee gives the decision and the sending off and a penalty it’s a completely different game.”

In the end, Burnley had to dig deep to keep their unbeaten run going, and it was no surprise to Marney that they did.

“In the last 20 minutes you could tell we thought we could still get something out of the game,” he said.

“Most teams would have probably sat back and looked to next week, but that’s not us. We just keep going and get the rewards.

“It could be a massive point. We’ve obviously been in this position before so we know sometimes it can come down to a point, but hopefully it won’t.”