FRANK Sinclair insists Burnley will not be bullied into submission by the Championship big boys.

The tough-talking Clarets skipper certainly made his presence felt last season, picking up 14 yellows and one red card in a colourful campaign.

And with more strength added to the squad this summer, Sinclair is adamant that Steve Cotterill's side are capable of coping with the physical demands should the going get tough.

"All round, from the goalkeepers to the strikers, there is a lot more quality in the side and I think we will be a bigger, stronger side this year. We won't be getting bullied, that's for sure," insisted Sinclair ahead of Saturday's Championship opener away to Crewe Alexandra.

"Gifton Noel-Williams has come in up front to join Ade Akinbiyi and Wayne Thomas has given us more height at the back. We are a heavier as a team, but we are still athletic and we won't fear the physical challenge."

Burnley's defence has carried on where they left off last season, conceding just two goals in pre-season in front of a new-look midfield and strike force that now carries more of an attacking edge following the signings of winger Wade Elliott, attack-minded Garreth O'Connor and rangy hitman Noel-Williams.

"The manager does his homework on players because it's not just about ability. He looks for a certain type of character as well and the proof of the pudding is the team we have now," added Sinclair.

"The manager has hand-picked all the players other than Graham Branch and Brian Jensen and I am sure he is happy with his squad. I'm sure he is still trying to nick one or two more before the season starts, which we know we will need.

"But the young lads, Chris McCann and Kyle Lafferty, both showed on the Austrian trip that they are happy to join in as well, so there is strength there to compliment the new lads, who have settled in well.

"The good thing is most of them knew other people here, so there is a good atmosphere in the camp and obviously we have to take that team spirit onto the pitch now with a winning edge."

Twelve months into his own Burnley career, Sinclair himself is thoroughly enjoying life at Turf Moor following a troubled end to a spell at Leicester.

He said: "Burnley has a great history and I found out there is still passion here within days of signing. I know a lot more about the fans now and I certainly know more about the rivalry between Burnley and Blackburn Rovers!

"A year on I think we have a strong enough side to be very consistent. It's definitely a stronger division and there must be eight or ten teams who will fancy themselves for at least the play-offs.

"But I think we will be there or there abouts in the play off places and that's what we are aiming for. Anything better will be a bonus."