AUSSIE Dougie Hodgson signed in at Turf Moor today and declared: "I'm a typical English centre half!"

The six-feet-two, 13-stone-plus defender completed his loan move to Burnley from Sheffield United and can't wait to get back into serious action - hopefully against Notts County on Saturday.

"I like to get stuck in and do a job, I don't mind putting my head in where it hurts. That's all part and parcel of football," said Hodgson.

"Sheffield United are a very good club, but, looking at Burnley, it's got the potential to be just as big. This is my third season over here, I've had a taste of English football and I want to play regularly.

"I'm 12,000 miles away from home, and that's what I'm here for, to play football.

"Adrian Heath is the main reason I have come here, I have got a lot of respect for him.

"Hopefully, it will go well over the next month and it's a loan with a view to a permanent signing if everyone is happy with it." Hodgson, who hails from Victoria, joined Sheffield United from Australian club Heidelberg.

The 27-year-old central defender has had only limited first team experience with them over the past couple of seasons and United now have a surfeit of players in that position.

But he has played against the likes of Wolves and Manchester City this season, figuring in half a dozen matches.

From his time at Bramall Lane - he was signed by Dave Bassett - Hodgson knows Jamie Hoyland and also played with Peter Swan at Plymouth during a loan spell.

"I know that Burnley have just come out of the First Division and will be looking to get back up there," he said.

"Hopefully we can make a start on that over the next month. I want to be playing regularly, because it's all about confidence and that helps you to play better," he said. If the clubs decide to strike a permanent deal, the fee would probably be around £100-£150,000.

Burnley boss Heath, however, does not believe that will be stumbling block if Hodgson does well.

"He's a big strong lad and, from my time at Sheffield, I know his character and he will be a big plus in the dressing room," he said.

"I was delighted with the attitude we showed at Vicarage Road. But there are times away from home when we get put under pressure and we have looked a little bit vulnerable.

"We have taken Dougie for a month to see how things go for everybody.

"Vince (Overson) has made a big difference but I have to look at the overall picture, if Vince was to be injured for example.

"We sometimes come under a lot of pressure away from home and we need a dominant figure in there, somebody to get a head on the ball."

Hodgson looks set to figure against County on Saturday but Paul Weller (groin) has joined Steve Thompson, Liam Robinson and Chris Vinnicombe on the injured list and is out of Heath's plans.

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