FORMER Clarets' favourite Michael Phelan believes ex-Manchester United defender Lee Roche would be a sensational signing for Burnley.

Phelan, now first team coach at Old Trafford, helped nurture Roche while in charge of the United's all-conquering reserve team.

Right-sided defender Roche, 22, is now high on Stan Ternent's wanted list following his Reds' release after failing to make the grade.

And boyhood Burnley fan Phelan, who wore the claret and blue shirt with distinction between 1980 and 1985, reckons free agent Roche would become an instant hit at Turf Moor if Ternent can beat a whole host of first division clubs to his signature.

Phelan said: "Lee is an unassuming young man who goes about his job in a thoroughly professional manner.

"He is young, which seems to fit Stan's current thinking, and he would fit into Burnley no problems at all.

"In fact, I would go as far to say that if he is Stan's choice, he won't go far wrong."

Roche has made just three first team appearances at United as a reliable back line seriously limited his opportunities to shine.

His only full, first team game, came in November 2001 in the 4-0 League Cup defeat at Arsenal.

He later appeared as a sub for Blanc in last season's memorable 5-3 Premiership victory over Newcastle and began United's meaningless Champions League defeat in Deportivo before being substituted for Michael Stewart - himself a Burnley target last season.

However, Roach gained valuable Nationwide League experience during a season on loan at Wrexham in 2000/01.

And Phelan, 40, reckons the grounding the youngster has received at the famed Old Trafford Academy far outweighs his obvious inexperience.

Phelan added: "Lee did very well at Wrexham and it's no slur on either his character or ability that he didn't make more appearances at Old Trafford.

"It's very difficult for anyone to break through into the first team and although three games might not sound a lot, if you look who they were against it shows the high regard we held him in.

"He has played European football and he's also played against Arsenal and Newcastle, who are no push-overs themselves."

Former England international Phelan, an accomplished defender himself in his heyday, added: "Lee could play either right back or centre half, but the one thing to stress is he is a defender - not a utility man.

"He is very quick and likes to get forward, especially when playing in the right back slot. But at centre half - although he is not the dominant type - that pace will always be a major attribute."

Norwich have joined Rotherham in the race to sign former Burnley midfielder Lee Briscoe.

Canaries boss Nigel Worthington last night admitted an interest in Briscoe, who was released as part of Clarets' boss Stan Ternent's summer clear-out.