NEW recruit Eric Djemba-Djemba said Aston Villa team-mate Gary Cahill played a big part in his decision to join Burnley.

The 6ft 2ins defender scooped both the player of the year and young player of the year awards after making a big impression in his six-month loan spell with the Clarets in the 2004-05 season.

And Djemba-Djemba revealed the glowing recommendations the England Under 20 international, and former Clarets loan defender Phil Bardsley, gave of Turf Moor life convinced him to turn down approaches from Lille and head for East Lancashire until the end of the term.

"I spoke to Gary and Phil (Bardsley) and they both told me this is a good club with good players and a good manager," said Djemba-Djemba.

"Gary especially told me to come and that I would enjoy playing good football with a great group of players and immediately I found that.

"Burnley have a small squad, but that can be good.

"It is very important for teams to be so close because it keeps the harmony and everybody feeling involved.

"You never see anybody upset or complaining here. Just laughing and enjoying training and now we have to take that onto the pitch."

As well as trying to help Burnley push for promotion, another priority for the 26-year-old was getting regular first-team football after finding himself out of favour with former manager David O'Leary following his recovery from a hamstring injury he sustained soon after his £1.35 million switch from Manchester United.

Now he is looking to prove himself to current Villa boss Martin O'Neill and admits that, by helping Burnley, it could pave the way for him to become a Premiership regular once more.

"When I was fit again he (O'Leary) did not play me and I was unhappy and shocked to not get a chance," Djemba-Djemba said.

"I still feel I must prove myself to the new manager and naturally I want to go back to Aston Villa when the season is over and do that.

"If that doesn't happen I will go anywhere to stay in England.

"I love to play here because of the passion of the fans and the pace of the game, the tackling and the whole package.

"That is my first priority because I want to play in the Premiership.

"But first I have six months to help get Burnley promoted and if we can do that and Aston Villa do not want me, then I will stay."