IT took Alan Lee just one look around Turf Moor to realise that the Clarets should not be playing in the Second Division.

And having made the move from Aston Villa to Burnley, he's aiming to provide the goals to make sure the club doesn't stay there for long.

"I had seen the ground before and knew how big it was and what the pitch was like.

"But it was certainly nice standing in the middle of it on the day I signed, looking up and thinking we should definitely be a First Division club at least.

"Burnley are a bigger club than their league position suggests and I suppose it's down to us to prove that," said the 20-year-old striker, who became Stan Ternent's first cash signing of the summer when he agreed a three-year deal at Turf Moor.

Lee - who according to sources in the Midlands signed for £100,000 with Villa taking 30 per cent of any future sell-on profit -played in the First Division on loan with Port Vale last season and the Valiants were keen to take him back on a permanent basis after he helped them avoid relegation.

Queens Park Rangers and Portsmouth had also been tracking the young Irishman.

But having heard of Burnley's interest, Lee didn't take much persuading to make what he hopes will be a temporary drop down a division.

"I knew what sort of club Burnley were and the potential of it. I'd asked a few people about Burnley and from what I knew myself I thought if they made the right offer I would be happy," he said.

And having got a feel for Nationwide League action last season, the highly-rated forward felt he was ready to stake a claim for regular first-team football with the chance to score goals at that level.

He added: "At the end of last season I decided it was the best or me. I could have hung around for another couple of years but it might not have done anything for me.

"I think it was the first year last year while at Villa that I didn't learn a lot. I'd gone away to other clubs and because I'd got that taste of first-team football it just seemed that I was wasting my time once I got back to Villa."

Galway-born Lee had been attached to Villa Park since first coming over from Ireland for trials at the age of 14, but was keen to make the break.

"It's hard saying goodbye to everyone but it's for the best. I'm just looking forward to proving myself and hopefully getting some results," added the Republic of Ireland under-21 international, who looks at face value to have been an excellent purchase by Ternent.

The six-feet, two-inch tall youngster will give the manager a handy extra option up front as a powerful striker with a decent pedigree, excellent heading ability and an eye for goal.

"When my name's mentioned usually the phrase old fashioned comes up. I'm good in the air but I'd like to think I've got a good touch and I'm quite quick for someone my size

"I think it surprises some people, they think because I'm good in the air that I can't do other things as well.

"I've scored a few goals. I scored five in 12 League starts last year, three in the Third Division (with Torquay) and two in the First. I suppose I give it my all," Lee added.

Former Clarets player-manager Chris Waddle has moved up the ranks at Hillsborough and been named as Sheffield Wednesday's new reserve team coach.

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