Clarets midfielder Tony Grant is delighted new boss Steve Cotterill has snapped up old pal John McGreal.

Grant hailed fellow Merseysider McGreal as a "top drawer" defender who will help stiffen up one of the most breached back lines in Division One last season.

And Grant believes Burnley fans will quickly warm to the 32-year-old stopper, who snubbed Ipswich manager Joe Royle's offer of a new 12-month contract to jump aboard Cotterill's Burnley bandwagon.

Grant insisted: "I've known John for many, many years and Burnley have signed a very accomplished defender and a terrific footballer.

"We have played against each other many times down the years and he is a good all-round athlete who is dominant in the air and attacks anything in the box.

"As a defender he's top drawer, but more than that he is a footballing centre half and the Burnley fans love someone who can play in that manner."

McGreal will be seen by many as a direct replacement for veteran stopper David May, who left Turf Moor this summer in the wake of Stan Ternent's managerial departure.

And Grant sees many similarities between the two vastly experienced defenders, with McGreal having the notable advantage of being exactly two years younger than his outgoing counterpart.

Grant added: "In some respects John is a similar sort of player to David, and I certainly know from experience that he is the type of guy who will not let anyone down.

"He will still be hungry and I don't think the new gaffer could have attracted anyone better as a first signing."

Grant meanwhile, has had an eventful summer following his marriage to long-term partner Kiki.

And with the entire nation falling for England's footballing heroes in Portugal, the Clarets midfielder admits he is now itching to get back in pre-season training in just over a week's time.

He added: "I just can't wait to get back now.

"There are only so many runs you can do to keep your fitness topped up before you want to get a ball out and get down to the serious stuff of pre-season.

"Euro 2004 has carried everyone to fever pitch and July 1 can't come quick enough for me now."

Burnley have confirmed their first warm-up game of the new season in front of their own supporters.

Scottish Premier League outfit Dundee United will make up the opposition at Turf Moor on Saturday, July 17 (3pm KO).

The game comes exactly one week after the new-look Clarets take to the field for the first time under Steve Cotterill at Accrington Stanley.