BURNLEY midfielder Jack Cork remains grateful to Cherries for giving him his first taste of senior football.

Then on the books at Chelsea, Cork spent time on loan at Dean Court during the 2006-07 season.

He made nine appearances under boss Kevin Bond, seven of which were in League One.

Cork told the Burnley Express: “It was a good club. They gave me the chance to play.

“It’s a nice, family-friendly club and I always enjoy playing against them.

“They took a massive punt on me. I was there with Ryan Bertrand and we went straight in to the team when they were near the bottom of the table.

“It was good that they showed the faith in us to do that. Not a lot of teams would do that now with a 17-year-old.

“It was a great experience and I’m grateful I got the opportunity.”