MATT Taylor admits it hurt to suffer the first relegation of his 16-year professional career.

But he is ready to mount a recovery after admitting being sidelined for seven months and unable to contribute to the team was the biggest blow.

“Obviously being relegated hurts immensely, but I just wish that I had been available more times this season to try to help the team out,” said Taylor.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The midfielder started the season after signing a two-year deal on a free transfer from West Ham United. However, less than a month after the Clarets’ Premier League campaign started he suffered an Achilles injury which required surgery.

Taylor was unable to return until April, coming off the bench as a late substitute in 1-0 defeats to Arsenal and Everton, then making his first start since August in the following game at home to Leicester City.

The 33-year-old famously scored two pressure penalties in a previous relegation battle with former club Portsmouth, to keep them up in 2005/06.

But the feat was not to be repeated when a second half spot kick was awarded against the Foxes. Taylor struck the outside of the post, and within a minute of that miss Jamie Vardy scored what proved to be the winner for Leicester, who went on to secure safety last weekend.

Burnley were relegated over a week ago, ironically the day they earned their first win, and scored their first goal, for seven games.

It was a new experience for the seasoned Taylor, who said: “It’s been tough.”

But it is the long-term absence which the former Bolton Wanderers man says has proved the most painful, on a personal note, this season.

“I think more so than the relegation, for me personally what’s been the most disappointing factor this season has been my injury and not being available for selection. That’s been the big disappointment.”

Now his attentions turn to staying at Turf Moor, staying fit, and helping Burnley to fight their way back.

“I’ve got a year left on my contract so I don’t see any reason why I won’t be (at the club),” he said.

“I’m just happy to be fit to be brutally honest with you.

“That’s as far as I’m looking ahead at the moment. My body is in good shape at the moment.

“I’m obviously very much looking forward to next season.”

Saturday’s goalless draw with Stoke City in their final home game of the season now means that Burnley have scored just once in eight games.

With a total of just 27 Premier League goals - the least in the division - Taylor admits the reasons for their bottom three struggles are obvious.

“We gave a good account of ourselves but, again, we just didn’t take the chances,” he said of Saturday’s game.

“We should have been 2-0 or 3-0 up at half-time, and that’s just the way it’s going.

“Ultimately we’ve paid the price for not taking the chances.”

The Clarets encountered a goalkeeper in fine form in Stoke and England stopper Jack Butland.

“He is,” Taylor acknowledged. “But we’ve got a good goalkeeper and we’ve been punished this season with people taking chances.

“It’s the ruthlessness of the Premier League.

“I know it’s not that simple but ultimately goals win games and unfortunately we didn’t take our chances.”