Frenchman adds some necessary Gallic flair

JEAN-LOUIS Valois looks as though he could prove to be a big asset for Burnley.

I do like the way the Frenchman is prepared to attack defences and try to be creative going forward.

He is the type of winger who will stretch defences by getting to the byeline and pulling the ball back into the danger areas.

And having a naturally left-footed player always helps, particularly when he can deliver the ball to the near post.

Valois reminds me of Chico Hamilton, who I used to play alongside at Aston Villa in the 1970s.

Whenever he got the ball I just knew all I had to do was get in at the near post and that the ball would arrive and either there would be a chance to get the ball on target or turn it back for someone following in behind in the penalty area.

In fact that ball in can also trap defenders into turning the ball into their own goal.

But to capitalise on what Valois can do the Clarets really do need to bring in the type of forward that can make the most of that dangerous kind of delivery.

Robbie Blake and Ian Moore are good players but neither is really the type who are going to attack that near post and pose problems for the defence close in.

But I do like Valois because he does give the side the kind of width that we have been lacking.

The victory over Cardiff was a long awaited win and I think all Clarets fans have to appreciate that it was a good three points to gain.

While it was not a particularly great game, the three points were both deserved and welcome and sets the team up well for two difficult away games.

Just a week or two ago we faced a similar situation when we had to play Wigan and Leicester away in quick succession and both those trips produced points.

If the same can be achieved at Reading and then Ipswich it would be an impressive return.

While both games will be difficult, Burnley have shown that on their travels having a solid defence gives the team every chance of at least coming away with a point.