CLARETS legend Martin Dobson has backed Chris Long to thrive with Burnley.

The young forward yesterday penned a three-year deal, with the option of a fourth, after turning down new terms at Everton.

After coming through the youth ranks at Goodison, Long made a name for himself on loan at Brentford last season, helping the Bees to the Championship play-offs.

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His association with Burnley’s new sporting director Frank McParland, who held a similar position at Brentford last season, inspired the move to Turf Moor.

And Dobson feels it is a good one for the 20-year-old.

“I’ve seen him a few times in Everton’s Under-21s but when he was out on loan at Brentford he did very well there and had a super end to the season with them having a chance of promotion,” said the former Burnley and Everton midfielder, who works as a scout for Leicester City.

“On every occasion I saw him he looked very good and a very promising player. I’ve seen him play both centrally and out wide and he looked a very accomplished player.

“At just 20 he’s had a lot of experience already out on loan.

“That’s great for a young player at first team level, especially in the Championship.

“Having come through at Everton he’s certainly got good pedigree.

“He will have learned so much there, playing with tremendous players.

“He’s got his chance with Burnley now, in a very good side with an excellent manager.

“It’s up to him now to push through and get that first team place.”

And Dobson believes Long has the right mentality, and ability, to succeed.

“His attitude is excellent, he’s hard working and he has an eye for goal, which is obviously a great quality,” Dobson added.

“He made real progress last season and the reports coming back were excellent. He made a real contribution. He was on the radar of a lot of clubs.

“Everton wanted to keep him but he was probably looking at their first team squad and wondering if he is going to get a chance this season.

“He wants to play first team games and for a young lad Burnley is a good place to do that.”

Long, who was not involved in Burnley’s friendly at Fleetwood last night, is relishing the opportunity to show what he can do with the Clarets.

“I’m absolutely buzzing to have officially signed and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

“I can’t thank Everton enough for what they did for me, but I think it’s time to start a new chapter in my life and I can’t wait to get started with Burnley.

“I’ve proved that I can score goals in the Championship and I only had two starts. I would have started more without injuries and I’m looking forward to scoring goals for Burnley.

“I’m fresh, young and eager to succeed to be honest and I just want to show the Burnley fans what I can do.”

Long joined the Everton academy at the age of five and had a loan spell at MK Dons during the 2013/14 campaign.

He has represented England at U16, U17, U18 and U20 level.

Of his new signing Clarets boss Sean Dyche, speaking after the 2-0 friendly win at Fleetwood last night said: “Anyone who is ready challenges but he is one that we think a lot of for the future.”