TALISMANIC defender Jimmy Dunne described winning promotion as “the greatest experience ever”, especially because he had not even entertained the idea of it when he first joined the club.

When the option to go on loan to Accrington Stanley was offered to the Burnley youngster, Dunne entered into it with the view of improving his own game and getting Football League experience.

The 20-year-old had to bide his time to get into the side. But after getting his break in January he has not experienced defeat in his 16 games, and has played a key role in securing Stanley’s place in League One next season.

“Nobody said anything about winning promotion when I came,” said the Irishman.

“They said go, learn your trade, develop your defending, develop your game. I never in my wildest dreams imagined the feeling I have got now with clinching promotion.

“And to do it with games left and to go and try and win the league, that makes it even better.”

He added: “I am a young lad, some of the lads have experienced the other side of things where they have lost and didn’t get to celebrate so it is even sweeter for them.

“For me I just think it’s the greatest experience ever, I will never experience anything like this again.

“There are people who go their whole careers without winning anything or getting promoted so it’s an achievement I want to cherish. You might never get that feeling again so you enjoy it while it lasts.”

Dunne has made his Republic of Ireland Under 21 debut on the strength of his performances for Stanley, but he says he feels he has developed as much off the pitch too.

“I feel like I have developed so much, become more of a man,” he continued.

“There are loads of things I need to work on but I have got a feeling of what it’s like to be a real footballer and a man and the responsibilities which come with it.

“I feel like I have developed on and off the pitch in so many ways and that’s thanks to this club.”