STEVE Cotterill insists the addition of Stephen Foster has eased his centre-back problems as Burnley gear up for the start of pre-season.

Cotterill admits to being happy with his defensive numbers following Foster's capture.

Solving a centre-back dilemma was one of Cotterill's priorities and he believes the free-transfer signing of Foster from League One side Crewe has provided a solution.

The versatile 25-year-old can fill various positions across the rearguard, including right-back, although his main role during his long association with the Gresty Road outfit was in the centre of defence.

"I'm happy with the defenders I've got," said Cotterill. "We ended up last week getting another central defender.

"At right-back, we have two players that can play there, Frank Sinclair and Michael Duff. Stephen Foster may be able to play there at a push, but I know him as a centre-half and that was our problem last year.

"It was a big problem and hopefully that is a problem we've dealt with Stephen Foster coming in.

"Defensively, I'm happy with what I've got.

"There is quite possibly two other areas I would like to strengthen, but we will have to see on that."