NEW boy James Tarkowski has set his sights on reaching the Premier League with Burnley - and staying there.

The 23-year-old finally signed on the dotted line on Monday after a month-long transfer saga between the Clarets and Brentford.

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And now the former Oldham centre back has his feet through the door he is determined to lay down a challenge for a first team spot.

The Manchester-born defender wants to reach the top flight for the first time in his career, and he wants to help his new club make an immediate return to that level, and repay the faith they have shown in him.

“To get in the Premier League would be ideal and to stay there is the next aim,” Tarkowski said when asked about his targets having completed his move to Burnley.

“We’re in and about it at the moment so we have to kick on from where we are now and move up the league into the automatic positions.

“For me personally it’s to give my best and achieve my best and show my value to the club.

“They’ve backed me by putting money up and buying me so now I have to show my worth to the club.”

And having already played against Burnley once this season, as well as seeing them impress in front of the TV cameras while at Brentford, Tarkowski is in no doubt the squad has what it takes to achieve that goal.

“Definitely. From watching them this season, and having played against them earlier on, you can see the experience and the talent in the squad, and hopefully I can add to that and look to go on and get promoted,” he said.

There was Clarets interest in Tarkowski, who has already played 142 Football League games in his career, when he left Oldham for Brentford in January 2014.

On that occasion it came to nothing, but Sean Dyche landed his man two years later, and the defender can’t wait to begin work with the Turf chief, who has been an admirer of Tarkowski since his days with the Latics.

“If he’s watched me over the last few seasons he’s seen me improve from my Oldham days,” he said.

“He still likes the player I am now, which is pleasing, it’s great to have a manager that likes you.

“I spoke to him on Monday about training and he was mentioning little drills and the way he works with the defence. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch.”

His first target will be earning a spot in the starting XI.

“I’ve got to keep myself fit, get working hard and hopefully when my chance comes around I will do well and keep my position,” added Tarkowski, who has penned a three-and-a-half-deal with the Clarets.

“You’ve got to compete against your teammates as much as you do when you get out on the pitch on the Saturday.

“I back myself to do well, but you’ve got to wait for your chance.”