Image:Kevin Long: Burnley defender heads to League One for much needed playing time
Burnley have allowed defender Kevin Long to join League One strugglers Rochdale on a one-month loan.
Clarets defender steps a league below for some playing time
Burnley have allowed defender Kevin Long to join League One strugglers Rochdale on a one-month loan.
The 21-year-old Irishman is reunited with former Accrington boss John Coleman, who signed the player three times during his time at the Crown Ground.
Long, who is yet to make a first-team appearance at Turf Moor, was watched in a reserve match during the week by manager Eddie Howe, who has now sanctioned another loan spell.
The Clarets reportedly had to fend off interest from Celtic and Everton to land the highly-rated defender.
However, he has yet to make good on his promise and its hoped that some regular football could inject him with some experience.
Long's contract with the Lancashire club is set to expire next summer and the Irishman will have to prove to Howe he is worthy of an extension.
