BARRY Kilby has urged Burnley fans to put rivalry to one side and welcome Blackburn defender Andy Todd into the fold.

Todd, 28, crossed the divide late last night to join the Clarets in a one-month loan deal from their near neighbours.

And Clarets chairman Kilby described the deal as a "coup" that should send out a positive signal to supporters.

He said: "It's absolutely ridiculous that people should concern themselves with the fact Andy is a Blackburn player.

"We have been looking to add to the squad and we are now in a position where we've been able to strengthen again.

"We feel this move shows the careful planning done to ensure we get the best players possible for Burnley Football Club and flesh out the squad.

"Andy played quite a few games for Blackburn last season and I feel he is quite a coup.

"He joins us initially for a month, and we both will see how things go before making any further commitments."

Todd - the first player to join Burnley from Blackburn since Peter Devine almost 20 years ago - agreed to the move after finding himself pushed onto the sidelines at Ewood.

The former Bolton, Charlton and Middlesbrough star has been on the transfer list at his own request since the summer after seeing his route to the first team blocked by a string of big name signings.

Last season, he did well when deputising for Craig Short or Henning Berg at the heart of the Blues defence, but was memorably sent off for kicking Christophe Dugarry in the 1-1 draw with Birmingham.

In fact Todd, the son of former Derby manager Colin, has had something of a chequered career after leaving both Bolton and Charlton under a cloud following alleged bust-ups with club colleagues.

However, that did not deter Clarets chief Ternent, who identified Todd as a top target well before the Premiership transfer window closed earlier his week.

Kilby added: "Andy was always part of our plans and a player we contacted Blackburn about some time ago.

"We then sat and waited for the right time and, despite there being interest in Andy from several other Premiership clubs, he wanted to join us after we persuaded him to come and have a look at us."

Blackburn boss Graeme Souness, who bolstered his own defence this summer with the signings of Lorenzo Amoruso and Markus Babbel, is backing Todd to be a big hit at Turf Moor.

Souness said: "Andy saw limited opportunities here, which is why he wanted a move and I think he'll do a very good job for Burnley."

Todd becomes Burnley's third signing of the week following the capture of Bolton duo Delroy Facey and Gareth Farrelly.