BEN Mee is relishing a battle with some of the world’s top strikers as he looks forward to a first Premier League campaign in the heart of the Clarets defence.

The 26-year-old played at left-back two years ago but he has now made a central defensive position his own after his switch inside midway through last season.

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Mee, who signed a new three-year contract at Turf Moor yesterday, admits he feels more involved playing centrally and he can’t wait to get to grips with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sergio Aguero next season.

The former Manchester City youngster also agrees with Michael Duff’s description of him as a ‘combative, out and out defender’.

“That’s my game really,” said Mee. “I love being a defender and trying to get the better of a centre forward.

“I enjoy that the most, getting the better of somebody and blocking shots and trying to help out the team.

“It’s difficult from full-back to get your voice out there. You’re not tucked away but you’re a bit further away, at centre half you’re more involved and in the spine of the team, so that’s a big part for me this season, trying to be vocal.”

Mee will get his first run-out of pre-season tonight as Burnley end a training camp on the shores of Lake Geneva with a friendly against Swiss third tier side FC Stade Nyonnais.

It’s been a week of double sessions for the Clarets but Mee believes the camp in Evian-les-Bains has been beneficial.

“There’s been some tough sessions but it’s been a good week,” he added.

“It’s a great setting, the facilities have been fantastic.

“You can’t ask for much more, apart from a bit more sunshine, but as a player you’re not really too fussed about it raining. It’s been a really good week.”

In tomorrow’s Lancashire Telegraph read why Ben Mee had ‘no reason’ to consider leaving Turf Moor this summer