CHRIS Eagles has lavished praise on Burnley’s fans – but says he had no option other than to quit the Clarets.

The 25-year-old – and full-back Tyrone Mears – finally completed his move to Owen Coyle’s Bolton Wanderers yesterday, a week after Burnley accepted a joint £3million bid from the Reebok Stadium.

And Eagles reckons the move can help him re-ignite his career at the top level after his season in the Premier League with the Clarets two years ago.

“As a child you want to play in the Premier League week in week out and play against the best players,” said Eagles. “That’s what I want to do.

“I just can’t wait to get back in. It was getting touch and go. The market was not really kicking off and I hadn’t heard too much.

“There was speculation about Everton and I just told my agent to ring if there was anything serious.

“I was at Torquay when I got the phone call about Bolton’s interest.

"I thought it was family but it was my agent to say they had agreed a fee and Tyrone is in with the deal.

“Everton were interested but as soon as Bolton made a serious bid, there was no real question to be honest.”

The former Manchester United trainee is an admitted fan of Coyle and admits it was difficult for him when the Scot walked out of Turf Moor halfway through the Premier League season.

“When Owen left Burnley it was hard for myself and the club,” he said.

“I scored 15 from midfield last season, I was aiming for that, and I am just pleased the gaffer has had faith in me again. I am sure I won't let him down.

"When I signed a new deal at Burnley, they did everything for me. I can't fault them in any way.

"The fans were brilliant but they've got to realise now it's just for my own good to play at a higher level.

"I definitely feel I am a better player than I was the last time round in the Premier League.

"I have played against Bolton ever since I was 14 and I know how big they are. So, I am glad to be here.

“Owen has done here what he did at Burnley - made it a family club. I am sure I am going to love every minute of it.”

Eagles, however, says his time under Brian Laws was not good for him and it was a relief when Eddie Howe replaced for former Burnley full-back in the hotseat.

“The months after Brian Laws came in, he didn't play me at all,” he said.

“We had mixed words. At the time it got heated. But when I was playing I am sure I showed people what I can do and I am hoping to do that this time.

"When Eddie Howe came in some of his training techniques were first class.

"He put me in just behind the striker which was a position I used to play when I was younger and I did really well there.

"I was happy at Burnley.

"Bolton are going to be firmly in the top half I believe.

"There is going to be no real threats of relegation which was the case with Burnley."