STAN Ternent has hailed new Burnley signing David May as "one of the best centre halves of his era".

Former Manchester United and Blackburn defender May makes his Burnley bow at West Brom tomorrow after a whirlwind arrival.

And Clarets chief Ternent believes the vastly experienced stopper can help provide the springboard for success this season.

He said: "David is a good acquisition for us. He has played at the highest level, for the best club in the country, and his experience will be vital to us.

"He's someone I have been chasing for some time and he's been unfortunate with injuries, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that's all behind him now and he can help the squad enormously."

Ternent added: "He looks very good in training and it's just been unfortunate because there is no doubt about it - he is one of the best centre halves of his era in my book.

"People like Alex Ferguson don't spend money on players if they ain't any good! If you are at Manchester United you are brought up to be first - second is no good.

"He has had a lot of that and he is not frightened to win, so that's up my street!"

May revealed his delight at spending at least a season at Turf Moor. And despite suffering a catalogue of injuries during nine trophy-laden years at Old Trafford, he revealed he was fighting fit and ready to help steer Burnley back into the "big time".

May, 33, said: "Stan sold the club to me and also it was a chance to play for Burnley, which is a big club that needs to be back in the big time.

"I wouldn't have come here if I didn't think there was any chance of success. Stan said he was a couple of players short of being a very good team and that was good enough to me."

He added: "I had some unlucky breaks at Manchester United and and the manager signed Rio (Ferdinand) and Jaap (Stam). You can't really complain about that.

"I certainly don't have to prove anything to the fans or the press. All I have to do is concentrate on doing a job and at the moment that's for Burnley.

"We have a good set of lads here and we are not far away from a good season.

"If I can help the young lads in the team progress and make them better players, then I'm more than happy to do that.

"The main thing for me is playing well for Burnley, doing well and getting them as close to the Premiership as I can."

May is also unfazed by the fact his grounding in the game came just down the road at Blackburn.

And he expects Burnley supporters to put all rivalry on hold and welcome him into the fold.

He said: "I hope the fans don't hold that (Blackburn) against me. I still think of Blackburn a good team that gave me my first start in football, but Burnley have given me something by giving me the chance to carry on my football."

Ternent added: "I hope the fans take to him because if they don't it will certainly be detrimental to our team.

"I am sure they will though because he has been away at Manchester United for the best part of a decade."