O'SHEA EXCITED TO GET GOING IN CLARET & BLUE

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The latest recruit talks his Lancashire move and what he will bring to the squad

2023-06-23T15:30:00.000Z

O'SHEA EXCITED TO GET GOING IN CLARET & BLUE

The latest recruit talks his Lancashire move and what he will bring to the squad

2023-06-23T15:30:00.000Z

The latest recruit talks his Lancashire move and what he will bring to the squad

Dara O'Shea is thrilled to put pen to paper as he becomes Vincent Kompany's first new signing of the summer transfer window.

The defender makes the move from West Bromwich Albion and having spent eight years with the Baggies believes now is the time to take the next step in his career ahead of the Clarets’ return to the Premier League.

On the deal:

“I kind of heard rumblings at the end of last season and it’s been ongoing now for a couple of weeks. Obviously when you’re in the moment it feels like ages, so I’m happy to be here now.”

On working with Vincent Kompany:

“Yeah. Look, it's a no brainer to come and want to work under someone like him.

“His career as a footballer as well as a player was outstanding and someone that I would have looked up to as well coming through and stuff.

“So yeah, look, I'm really excited to be here and I want to learn a lot from him and his coaching staff.”

On leaving West Bromwich Albion:

“Yes, it’s a tough one for me. I’ve been at West Brom for eight years, I’ve come through since I was 16 and I’ve done really well for myself there. It was a huge decision to make that move still for me, but I think one that’s best for me in my career.”

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On his Republic of Ireland teammates Josh Cullen and Michael Obafemi:

“I’ve spoken to Josh and Michael, I them both quite well and I could see how good a project it was here.

“I’ve been speaking to them both quietly, you know in the corner, just kind of seeing how things were at the club and obviously letting them know that there’s a possibility of me coming here and stuff like that. Yeah, they were still a big factor in me coming here as well.”

On his playing style:

“First of all, I’m a defender. I like to defend; I’ve grown up in Ireland playing Gaelic football and that so I’m aggressive I like to be on the front foot, and I like to play football as well, I really like to get the ball down and pass and play through the thirds. I like to start off attacks and progress the team, so that’s something that I’ll be looking to do here.

“I’m predominantly a central defender, that’s my favourite position but I’ve played all over the back four and in midfield as well in my career, so it’s not something that I’m not used to.”

On Gaelic football:

“Literally a couple of weeks before I moved to West Brom was when I stopped playing [Gaelic football]. That was obviously a big part of my upbringing and kind of shaped me into the player I am today. I get that aggressiveness side and I suppose the hardworking, kind of ruthless side to me too. Which is something I’m really proud of, I’m proud of my heritage and my roots.”

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On the Premier League:

“Since West Brom dropped out of the Premier League it’s always been an aim of mine to get back there. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen with West Brom but I’m here now in the position I am. That time there really pushed me on as well, I saw the potential of what I could progress to in the league. It’s the best league in the world, you want to play against the best players so I’m all for that.

“Just playing against the calibre of opponent, each week you’re playing against top class players. I think that’s really the difference. You’re playing against some great managers, who set up tactically to maybe ways you mightn’t see in the Championship. Obviously, the player aspect is a huge thing, you want to test yourself against the best opponents.”

On Burnley’s fixtures:

“I saw the first fixture anyway, yeah, there the games you want to play in you know, as a footballer that’s what you want to test yourselves against, so it’s a great test.”

On his message for the fans:

“I’m really proud to be here, I know how much the club means to the fans and I think my work ethic should match that and they should take to me in that sense.

“I’m looking forward to pulling the shirt on and walking out at Turf Moor.”