JONATHAN Walters is relishing a new challenge at Burnley as he settles into new surroundings during pre-season.

The 33-year-old ended a seven-year association with Stoke City last week to pen a two-year deal with the Clarets.

He linked up his new teammates for the first time on Monday as Burnley flew out to Ireland for a week-long training camp at Carton House, but he had a medical at Gawthorpe last week and is impressed with the facilities at the club.

Asked if the new challenge that awaits him at Turf Moor was a big part of the attraction, Walters told the Lancashire Telegraph: "Definitely. Things change in football, circumstances change, whether your face fits as much, it was a new challenge and a fresh start.

"It’s an unbelievable set-up with the new training ground, it’s a new building, it’s on par with the best I’ve been too and knowing the lads and how the staff works it was a really exciting one.

"I heard murmurings (about the move) before but I’ve been around a long time so I’ve been in this situation before and anything can happen until you sign so you don’t want to think too far ahead and get your hopes up and it doesn’t happen.

"I had the medical done Friday and I was delighted it was done in the end."

Walters brings a wealth of experience with him to Turf Moor, with 230 Premier League games under his belt.

Although naturally a striker he has played on the wing as well in the Potteries and contributed goals from that position, and he's hoping to do the same at Burnley.

But one thing fans will see from him is never-say-die commitment to the cause, as well as an infectious workrate.

"I’ve been there and done it over the past few years," the Republic of Ireland international said.

"I played a number of years at Stoke and had a successful few years from just joining after they were promoted and stabilising the club in the Premier League.

"I’d been there seven years and many strikers have come and gone, the majority of the time I’ve been playing on the right side of midfield and often finished top scorer.

"Hopefully I can bring that here, I can bring goals and you will get every last ounce from me out there on the pitch.

"I can play in a variety of positions so if picked I’ll bring that to the team."

Walters joins a growing Irish contingent at Burnley, with five full internationals now in Sean Dyche’s squad.

He said the presence of Kevin Long, Stephen Ward, Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick had helped him settle in.

“I already knew a few of the lads and a few of the staff as well so it’s been brilliant,” he added.

“It helps settle you in a little bit quicker. But it’s a good bunch of lads anyway."

Walters didn’t grill his international teammates on what live was life at Turf Moor, but said he had heard good reviews while on Ireland duty.

“I knew anyway from the international set-up,” he said. “When we meet up players talk and we know what it’s like, there was just a few texts before just hoping it would happen.”

  • The Lancashire Telegraph is following Burnley on tour in Ireland in association with Accrington Clarets Supporters Club