NEW loan signing James O'Connor is relishing the task of breaking into the Burnley side.

The flame-haired West Bromwich Albion midfielder is set to play some part as the Clarets put their midweek cup exploits to one side and return to league action at QPR tomorrow.

And O'Connor, whose initial one-month loan could be extended to three if things go well, aims to put that issue beyond doubt after becoming frustrated with life on the sidelines at the Hawthorns.

"I'm hoping to get some games in here," admitted the 25-year-old. "But judging by the way the team played (against Aston Villa) on Tuesday, it will be hard to get in there!

"It has been very frustrating for me this season, having to sit and watch football games when you should be involved.

"But it was great last season to get promotion to the Premiership and hopefully I can use the experiences I picked up at West Brom then with Burnley.

"I'll be looking to get into the team and play well while I'm here, but that's down to the gaffer."

Dublin-born O'Connor, who worked with Clarets boss Steve Cotterill at Stoke, was only signed by Albion in the summer of 2003 after a tribunal ruled they must pay the Potters £250,000.

He played a starring role last season as the Baggies won promotion to the Premiership, but a glut of summer arrivals saw him ousted from the line-up - his only appearance this season coming in the Carling Cup, which therefore rules him out of Burnley's forthcoming fourth round tie with Spurs.

Before then though, the battle for league points resumes as Burnley look to bounce back following the home defeat to Derby a week ago.

Cotterill insisted: "We enjoyed the Villa game, but it's vitally important we get our head around QPR and look for the same level of performance now.

"We need to take the confidence and all the positives, but we need to be looking forward rather than back."

He added: "James will help because he will bring boundless energy to the side. He's tigerish and I don't know if anyone will outrun him all season.

"He's probably lost his way a little bit, but he's a great lad who is desperate to do well and that's the type of person we need at this football club.

"It might take him a little while to settle but I'd take him permanently tomorrow, although I don't envisage that at the moment.

"But he's initially here for a month and we have an agreement to take him for three, so we'll wait and see how that progresses.

"It will help us through big months of the season and he also gives us more competition for places, which we haven't had until now, so he'll be a good addition to our squad.

"He keeps running to the 90th minute and he's got great legs - but he's got to get in the team first!"

Richard Chaplow is Burnley's only fresh injury doubt for the trip south, while Frank Sinclair is set to return from suspension.

O'Connor