Clarets manager warns that new defender will need time to settle at Turf (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Clarets manager warns that new defender will need time to settle at Turf

8:33am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in News By Chris Flanagan, Sports reporter

EDDIE Howe has warned that new arrival Danny Lafferty will need time to adjust to the English game before he is ready to make his first-team debut for Burnley.

Lafferty was the Clarets’ final signing of the January transfer window - finally receiving his international clearance yesterday - and Howe believes the left back can enjoy similar success to his former Derry City team-mate James McClean, who has impressed in recent weeks with his performances for Sunderland.

But McClean was not immediately thrown into the first team upon his arrival at the Stadium of Light in August and Howe expects that Lafferty, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Turf Moor, will also require a period of adaptation.

The 22-year-old played in a behind closed doors game at Wolves last week during a trial period with the Clarets but has not figured in a competitive match for some time because the League of Ireland is currently out of season.

“Danny’s someone that we like,” Howe said.

“He’s a very attacking full back with a lovely left foot and will get forward for us.

“He scored nine goals last year, which speaks volumes for his attacking adventures and he really fits the mould of our philosophy and what we’re trying to do here.

“He’s come here without a pre-season and does have a slight ankle knock at the moment so he’s not for the short term.

“He’ll be very much for the long term, which means he’s going to have to fight for his place in the side, but he’s one that we’ve got high hopes for.

“He’s a useful one to add into the squad. If we need him then obviously we’d look to use him.

“But he’s going to have to compete for his place and he’s going to have to learn certain things. It’s a big jump for him.

“But technically he’s a very good footballer and he’ll fit into what we’re trying to do.”

Lafferty and winger McClean combined on Derry’s left flank last season and Howe was impressed by both players.

“They played together last year and they really did form a formidable partnership down the left hand side for Derry,” said the Clarets boss.

“McClean was playing in front of Lafferty and they really were a strong side.

“McClean’s done really well at Sunderland and we’re hoping Danny can have the same kind of impact for us.”

Howe was happy with the performance of fellow signing Josh McQuoid in Tuesday’s win at Nottingham Forest - also reserving praise for Ross Wallace, who returned from a back injury as a first-half substitute after Keith Treacy sustained a similar problem.

“Keith was feeling his back so he had to come off,” Howe said.

“I thought Ross when he came on was excellent.

“Monday was the first day he had trained, that’s why we didn’t start with Ross, but he showed no ill effects. He did really well.

“And I thought Josh McQuoid coming in for his first start was excellent.

“He really did do well, he just ran out of steam at the end through his lack of fitness.

“It was a really good full debut for him.”