New Burnley defender Andre Bikey is delighted to be handed a Premier League return by Owen Coyle.
Burnley boss confident Cameroon defender has right attributes
Andre Bikey believes it is "a privilege" to be handed a Premier League return with Burnley.
The Cameroon international completed his move from Reading on Tuesday, signing a three-year deal with the Clarets, who are thought to have paid a fee of £2.8million.
The 24-year-old defender has previously spent two years in the top-flight before Reading's relegation in 2008.
And he is eager to make a positive start at Burnley to give the Premier League newcomers the best possible chance of staying up after winning last season's Championship play-offs.
Big opportunity
"It is not everyone who gets the chance to play in the Premier League so this is a big opportunity for me," said Bikey. "It is a privilege.
"I played two years in the Premier League and you learn in every game.
"It is true Burnley is not a very big club but we can start this year by doing well and become a permanent fixture.
"I am a part of that and I will give my best for the team to remain in the Premier League."
Bikey's last game for Reading was actually against Burnley in the play-off semi-finals, when he was sent off late on for stamping on Robbie Blake before peeling off his shirt and throwing it to the ground in frustration.
That resulted in a five-match ban but Bikey will be available to make his Burnley debut at home to defending champions Manchester United on Wednesday.
Manager Owen Coyle was eager to boost his defensive options after injuries to captain Steven Caldwell and Michael Duff, and was undeterred by Bikey's angry reaction last season.
"He is a young man and a player that will continue to improve and I'm delighted to have him on board," said Coyle.
Passion
"He is a talented footballer with pace and power, which we undoubtedly need at this level.
"The ban he received was for his sending-off here. He made a mistake and he was punished for it.
"I've said to him, 'Don't ever lose that passion but let's channel it for the betterment of the club', and he will do that.
"It is not something that concerns me. I have no doubts he will help us as a team."
