CHRIS LAKEY Veteran striker Dion Dublin could be a Norwich City player next season after confirming his wish to continue his career.

CHRIS LAKEY

Veteran striker Dion Dublin could be a Norwich City player next season after confirming his wish to continue his career.

Dublin, who turns 38 on Sunday, said he had yet to open talks with anyone, including Canaries boss Peter Grant, but admitted he would like to carry on a career that began back in 1988 - before four of his team-mates from the weekend were even born.

However, Grant has previously indicated his desire to keep Dublin at Carrow Road - a move which would prove hugely popular with City fans, who have taken Dublin to their hearts since he joined the club as a free agent last September.

“I'm hoping to play next season, I'd like to play next season, yes, definitely,” said Dublin yesterday, ahead of tonight's long haul to Burnley. “I'd like go back to Turf Moor again.”

Dublin's contract expires in the summer when, once again, he will be free to talk to other clubs - although he insists there are other priorities to consider.

“Just got to get these games won, hopefully, and see what happens for next year,” said Dublin, who family base is in the Midlands.

“I have to consider every option and the main option is my family option, and if they are happy, I'm happy.”

Dublin was brought in by Nigel Worthington but made just two appearances before the axe fell on the City manager - coincidentally, after a 4-1 home defeat by tonight's opponents.

The element of revenge, though, is not on his mind.

“There is an element of four games left and we need three points, on the back of a good win at Leicester,” he said. “The history of Burnley and Nigel and the last game doesn't really matter - it is a long way to go and come back with nothing.

“We know it is going to be difficult, we know they are going to be a very big, strong side, which is sometimes the hardest hurdle to get over.”

City made the long trip to Lancashire in January, only for the match to be postponed just 90 minutes before kick-off because part of the pitch was waterlogged.

Since then, Steve Cotterill's side have put the brakes on a slump in form, but still needs points to guarantee their safety.

“They want to get their points as quick as they possibly can, as we had to do and are still trying to do now,” added Dublin. “It will be very hard, but that's what this league is all about. It is a very hard league to get out of or get anywhere near promotion.”

Dublin, who will once again be required in defence because of an injury to Gary Doherty, says Robert Earnshaw has provided the City squad with a perfect late-season pick-me-up after his goalscoring reappearance at the weekend.

“It is just a big boost - he could have travelled on the coach and not played at all, and it might sound silly but it is a big boost to see someone like that about, who has got so many goals and comes back from an injury as bad as he had,” Dublin said.

“Yes, it was a penalty, but it still had to be scored, and he has the confidence to take the penalty and to score as he did. That is just a natural instinct he has got and you cannot do without that in your team.”