| Cork City central defender Kevin Long has signed for the Clarets and will join the club when the next transfer window opens in January on a three and a half year deal. |
There was speculation just under two weeks ago that he was a target and this morning news broke that he was heading for Turf Moor to complete the deal and that has been duly done this evening.
Owen Coyle expressed his delight at completing the move and said: "We are delighted to be signing Kevin and to have beaten off stiff competition from top clubs north and south of the border for his services.
"He is a young, aggressive and quick left sided centre back who is hungry to keep improving and will go straight into our first team squad when he joins us. He has got everything you want in that type of player and I would like to thank Cork's chairman Tom Coughlan for his courtesy and professionalism during negotiations."
With Andre Bikey set to miss three league games and potentially one FA Cup tie in January it will mean Long, along with Michael Duff and David Edgar, will contest the central defensive positions currently occupied by Clarke Carlisle and Steven Caldwell.
Long admitted to being delighted to have completed the signing. "There were a few clubs interested but I thought Burnley was the best one to come to and that's the reason I'm here," he said.
"It's everyone's dream to get over to England and play in one of the best leagues in the world and I'm no different from anyone else. It's a dream come true to come and play at Burnley in the best league in the world."
He continued: "Since I got into the first team it's been upwards from there. I then got the call up for the Irish team and it's been mad hectic since then and I'm delighted to be here.
"Once I knew of the interest I've been looking at Burnley and I know they are a good footballing side and a good team, so I'm delighted to be here.
"The manager says they are a good bunch of lads so I'm sure I'll settle in quickly. Hopefully I will hit the ground running and if I keep working in training I will get a chance." |
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