STEVE Davis will return to his old job as Clarets first-team coach under the Owen Coyle regime.

Coyle revealed that Clarets favourite Davis - who took over as caretaker boss following Steve Cotterill's departure earlier this month - remains an integral part of Burnley and their new managerment team.

Davis is a hugely popular figure among supporters after playing over 350 games for Burnley in three separate spells for the club and Coyle believes it was important to keep the former defender involved at Turf Moor.

However, Coyle is still to appoint an assistant manager, with doubts over whether his number two at St Johnstone, Sandy Stewart, will follow him to East Lancashire.

"It was very important for me that Steve Davis remained at Burnley," said Coyle.

"I will look to bring someone else in (as assistant) but, for me, Steve is an integral part of this football club and our first-team make-up.

"I've had a good chat with Steve and I was delighted when he said he was thrilled to bits to stay on.

"He was a very good player, a good centre-half, and getting to know him quickly, I can also say he's also a top, top man."

Coyle added: "He has to have his own opinions. There's no point in me coming in and having people that I agree with. That's not what it's about.

"I like strong characters, both as players and staff. Sometimes, as manager, you cannot see the wood for the trees, and sometimes you need different opinions."

Stewart, who takes charge of St Johnstone for their Scottish Challenge Cup final against Dunfermline on Sunday, is now expected to be lined up as the new Saints boss.

Coyle said: "I will speak to Sandy, but there will be no surprise if St Johnstone make a play for him to be their new manager. He knows the game.

"But regardless of who it's going to be, Steve Davis will be here as first-team coach."