Burnley have captured Cork City defender Kevin Long on a long-term deal.

The 19-year old has signed an undisclosed six-figure, three-and-a-half-year deal with the Clarets after impressing with his performances at Cork that saw him earn a call-up to the Republic of Ireland's U21 team.

The Cork-born centre-half will link up with Burnley in January and the Premier League club was delighted to prize him away from other clubs who were keen on his services.

"We are delighted to have signed Kevin and beaten off stiff competition from north and south of the border for his services," Clarets boss Owen Coyle told the club's official website.

"He has got everything you want in that type of player and I would like to thank Cork's chairman Tom Coughlan for his courtesy and professionalism during negotiations."