MICHAEL Kightly fired Burnley in to the Premier League – and now he wants to help keep them there.

The Basildon born 28-year-old scored in both of the Clarets’ games over the Easter weekend to clinch their promotion from the Championship.

And he now hopes his season long loan spell from Stoke City can be made in to a permanent move.

“I don’t know what’s happening at the moment but I would love to join Burnley,” said the former Chalvedon School pupil.

“Since I’ve been here I’ve not spoken to anyone from Stoke so I think that shows I won’t be there next season.

“I’m sure things will start to pan out in the next couple of weeks but I’ve enjoyed it with Burnley.

“Winning promotion here is up there with the best moments I’ve had in my career so of course I would like to stay and help them in the Premier League.”

Kightly bagged the only goal of the game to help Burnley win at Blackpool on Good Friday.

He then also hit the back of the net in the Clarets’ 2-0 victory against Wigan Athletic which sealed the club’s promotion on Monday.

And the winger – who was joined in the Burnley side by Canvey Island’s Dean Marney - felt it was the perfect time to rediscover his form in front of goal.

“I’ve not scored the number of goals I would’ve liked this season but they were two important games I was very pleased with,” said Kightly.

“It’s a huge achievement because we were tipped to go down at the start of the season.

“But there’s real togetherness here, everyone works incredibly hard and we have a top, top manager in Sean Dyche.

“That’s why we’ve done so well and why I want to stay.”

Kightly has previously played in the Premier League with both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke City.

And he is determined to show he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

“I think you’ve always got something to prove and I’m no different,” said Kightly.

“I would love to play in the Premier League and hopefully I can get that chance.”

A return to the top flight would also complete a remarkable turnaround for Kightly who was released by Southend United back in 2005 and played in the Conference for Grays Athletic before being snapped up Wolves.

“I’ve been on an unbelievable journey in my career but I definitely think what happened at Southend and being with Grays helped me hugely,” said Kightly.

“It made me stronger and it certainly also makes me appreciate everything I have gone on to achieve even more.

“I just hope there are more memorable moments still to come.”