Burnley defender Clarke Carlisle is pleased to see new signings being made ahead of their Premiership debut.

"As the signings are made everyone is pushing for a place in the starting line-up," said the 29-year-old, who played in 48 of Burnley's 61 league and cup games last season.

"You can't rest on your laurels, and it's a very good place to be in.

"Everyone is pushing each other for every position on the pitch, and that can only bode well for the team for next season.

"There is good, strong competition. We always knew we had quality in the side last season, but to have strength in depth is a whole other thing entirely."

Of the defensive intake, former Derby County right back Tyrone Mears is the eldest at 26, followed by 22-year-old ex-Newcastle stopper David Edgar (22), former Hamilton youngster Brian Easton (21), while ex-Manchester United full back Richard Eckersley is the youngest at just 20.

"They are very young signings, but they fit in with what the gaffer wants to build at the club; they are hungry for success and to play at the top level," added Carlisle to the Lancashire Telegraph.

"Everything's hotting up in all aspects because the manager will want to hit the ground running."