CHRIS Waddle completed his fifth signing today when he snapped up defender Lee Howey from First Division Sunderland.

Now Howey will make his Clarets debut in tomorrow's Coca-Cola Cup first round, first leg tie at Lincoln City.

The deal for the 27-year-old is worth around £200,000 and the Clarets player-manager confirmed: "This is a very good signing for Burnley.

"Lee is an experienced operator and a very adaptable footballer who will help improve our squad.

"He can play either at centre-half or in the forward position and is very good in the air. I had tried to get him signed up for the Watford game but we could not get him registered in time."

"I know how highly Peter Reid rates him but he only had limited first team opportunities at Sunderland last season.

"Lee will be available for the cup tie and will play at Lincoln."

Howey travelled with the first team squad and watched his new teammates in action at Watford before agreeing personal terms earlier today.

Waddle, meanwhile, declared himself satisfied with Burnley's performance at Vicarage Road after the Clarets tasted narrow defeat on the opening day of the Second Division season.

The player-boss, who was one of five players to make their Burnley debuts at Watford, said: "I was very satisfied with the commitment and I was not at all disappointed with the performance at Watford. I thought we were worth a draw.

"There are certainly no panic stations here and I've no complaints at how the players approached the match.

"They didn't get the rub of the green when they needed it. But that's football and we'll just have to get on with it.

"The commitment was first class but we put ourselves under too much pressure at times. "They did everything I asked of them. They got tackles and blocks in at the right time and we matched Watford physically.

"Obviously it is disappointing to lose the opening fixture, but it is over 46 games and not one.

"It is a long season but we will definitely get better as the season progresses. We will be okay."

Waddle handed a first league start to youngster Phil Eastwood, who was given a surprise debut in attack alongside Paul Barnes.

Waddle added: "Phil worked very hard but he has a lot more to his game.

"It was a big match for him to play in and nerves probably got the better of him.

"It was difficult for the lad and we probably didn't see the best of Phil Eastwood. But he will bounce back.

"He showed an awful lot of desire against Watford and has been playing very well in the reserves."

Watford have emerged as favourites to sign Liverpool and England star John Barnes after the Anfield club granted his transfer request today.

Ex-Clarets striker Brendan O'Connell grabbed a hat trick on his Wigan Athletic league debut in a thumping 5-2 win over Wycombe Wanderers at Springfield Park.

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