DANE Richards has insisted he will be ready to hit the ground running when he joins Burnley in January.

The 28-year-old winger has signed a pre-contract agreement to join the Clarets at the turn of the year, when his contract expires with Vancouver Whitecaps.

“Once I set my mind on something I know I will be ready and I definitely think I will be able to adapt straight away,” said the Jamaican international.

“When I was growing up I always wanted to go to the highest level I could and play in England. I am very excited about coming over. I am determined to make it at Burnley.”

Clarets boss Eddie Howe last night remained the bookmakers’ favourite to become the new manager of Bournemouth, despite Burnley’s ‘hands off’ warning last week. Reports on the south coast have continued to suggest that Bournemouth may make an official approach.

But Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell yesterday said that a move for a manager currently out of work was more likely, with Steve Cotterill said to be an option.