Fletcher settling fast
New Burnley striker Steven Fletcher felt right at home at his first training session following his £3million move from Hibernian.
He is sharing a dressing room with international team-mate Graham Alexander as well as fellow Scots Steven Caldwell, Steven Thompson and Kevin McDonald.
With manager Owen Coyle hailing from Glasgow, Burnley are as close to a home from home as Fletcher could find in the Barclays Premier League.
Fletcher said: "I know a lot of the players and that helps. I am looking forward to working with them. I have been made to feel very welcome."
Burnley open their first top-flight campaign in 33 years at Stoke on August 15, quickly followed by a home midweek fixture against Manchester United.
Fletcher quipped: "That's exciting and a bit different than going to St Johnstone."
Burnley have a sprinkling of good talent in McDonald, Martin Paterson, Chris Eagles and Chris McCann.
Fletcher said: "That was important to me to see that young players are given a chance here. I want to take my game to a higher level."
He believes the move to Turf Moor and the Premier League will boost his chances of a regular starting slot for Scotland.
He said: "I have been around the squad for a while now and hopefully I can get a few more games under my belt.
"But first of all I have to perform for Burnley and score goals. If I do that I will be delighted."
Coyle has also added centre-back David Edgar and right-back Tyrone Mears to his squad ahead of the campaign.
Edgar, 22, rejected a new contract at relegated Newcastle because he was frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities.
Coyle said: "David is another young player who will continue to improve. He has had experience in the Premier League, which is important. He will add competition in the centre-back area and grow with the club."
Edgar will miss the opening game after being sent off in Newcastle's final match when they lost 1-0 to Aston Villa.
He said: "It was horrible feeling that day and tough to be involved, especially as I have supported the club since I was a boy.
"Newcastle will always be in my heart and coming to Burnley is all about playing football, nothing else."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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