KEVIN McLeod left Turf Moor clutching David Unsworth's precious shirt, marking the veteran defender's 500th career appearance - and he didn't have to rip if off his back!Winger McLeod impressed on his return to the Colchester United team in a gutsy 1-1 draw at play-off chasing Burnley.

Carl Marston

KEVIN McLeod left Turf Moor clutching David Unsworth's precious shirt, marking the veteran defender's 500th career appearance - and he didn't have to rip if off his back!

Winger McLeod impressed on his return to the Colchester United team in a gutsy 1-1 draw at play-off chasing Burnley.

And the 27-year-old was delighted that former Ipswich Town loanee Unsworth, who clocked up his 500th game in a career spanning nearly 16 years, should give his shirt to him during the post-match warm-up. The duo were team-mates together at Everton.

“I shall treasure it. I'm going to frame the shirt and hang it on the wall with the rest of my collection,” revealed McLeod.

“I obviously know David (Unsworth) well from my days at Everton, and I'm grateful to him for giving me this shirt. He's got enough of his own anyway.

“I was glad to get back in the side, and I reckon we could have nicked it,” added McLeod, who was starting his first match for a month following an attack of sciatica.

Johnnie Jackson's 38th minute deflected free-kick cancelled out Andy Cole's 23rd minute opener for the Clarets. Ironically, it was Unsworth's foul on Scott Vernon that led to Jackson's crucial free-kick. Both sides also hit the post in an absorbing first-half.

Although this was a welcome away point for the U's, they remain three points adrift at the foot of the Championship, and a distant five points off safety.

Geraint Williams' men will hope to make inroads into that deficit when they entertain fellow strugglers Preston tomorrow evening.