Boss Joe Royle insists that striker Dean Bowditch's loan move to Burnley is purely in order for the England U19 international can play more first team football. Bowditch, who signed a new Town contract in January, has joined the Clarets for a month.

The Town manager says the frontman is hopeful the switch will be good for his career: "Dean's agreed because he feels the move can benefit him and that is exactly how I see it. It is purely experience from his point of view.

"He's not going anywhere. This is not a loan move with a view to it maybe becoming permanent. We think the world of Dean and don't want to sell.

"He needs to get some games under his belt. There is no great substance to the reserve league, so playing regularly in the Championship will be a lot better for him.

"In many ways Dean has been a victim this season. By and large, the first team have been doing well and that has restricted his opportunities with us."

Royle says Bowditch could get himself back in the Town side when he returns from Turf Moor, if he scores goals which with Steve Cotterill's side.

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