STEPHEN Ward is hoping the capture of Burnley’s record signing Steven Defour will open the door for more big names to join the Clarets.

The 28-year-old Belgian midfielder signed a three-year deal earlier this week, completing a move worth just under £7.5million from Anderlecht.

Ward has already been impressed with the 46-cap international’s quality in training and he described the signing of Defour as a ‘real coup’ for Burnley.

With Clarets boss Sean Dyche admitting the club’s transfer record could yet go again before the window closes in 12 days time, Republic of Ireland international Ward is hoping the deal could convince a few more stellar names to sign on the dotted line at Turf Moor.

“It’s a real coup for the club to get him and a great asset for us this season,” said Ward.

“Any new players you get in is always a benefit. For him to come in as a record signing and with such a good background is a real plus for us.

“Attracting a player of that calibre will hopefully open the door to a few more wanting to come in and sign here.”

Ward, who turns 31 today admits any birthday celebrations will be ‘result dependant’ as the Clarets welcome Liverpool to Turf Moor (3pm).

But the Irish ace likes what he has seen from Defour so far at Gawthorpe.

The former Standard Liege and Porto midfielder has trained with his new teammates this week and although Dyche believes his new man will need to adapt to the ‘tempo’ of the Premier League, he is likely to start today.

“He has looked like a record signing should be,” said Ward. “He’s good on the ball, he looks intelligent and a few of us have heard stuff about him before and heard great reports so hopefully he can be a big asset for us this season.

“When a player like that comes with the number of caps he has won for a side like Belgium, you know he’s going to be a decent player.”

The signing of Defour was Burnley’s fourth of the window as he followed Charlton pair Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Nick Pope and Liverpool loanee Jon Flanagan through the door.

More additions are in the pipeline before the window slams shut and Ward admits the competition for places is welcome, although he is surprised at some of the fees involved this summer.

“It’s tough for everyone. The money Championship players are going for at the minute is unbelievable,” he said.

“You would never have seen it four, five, six years ago.

“I suppose that’s what comes with the Premier League and people wanting to play in the Premier League and the new money.

“It’s difficult but we have got the core of a good squad together.

“Steven coming in is a big signing for us. Johann came in earlier in the window and hopefully one or two more can really make us a force for the season.

“We are under no illusions how difficult it’s going to be. To come up as a Championship side it’s going to be difficult to stay in and you do need fresh faces and quality and people to freshen up the squad and competition for places.

“I am sure the manager is working hard to get players in and getting players like Steven in will only help our case in attracting a few more.”