Coyle backs Fletcher to justify price

2nd July 2009

Burnley manager Owen Coyle is convinced Steven Fletcher will go on to prove he is worth more than the record £3million the Clarets paid Hibernian to secure his services.

The Scotland striker was introduced to the media - along with former Newcastle defender David Edgar - after completing his first training sessions as the temperature soared past a stamina-sapping 30 degrees Celsius.

And he was instantly backed to more than justify his hefty price tag by Coyle who said: "Steven will show he is worth more than that kind of money. He is a young man, an international and a proven goalscorer."

He added: "He leads the line well, he can drop short and can play off the shoulder. He has such a range of assets and attributes.

"Steven is a very accomplished player for someone of such a young age and I am delighted he is here.

"Whatever price has been paid, the player didn't pay it. They just have to go and show the ability that brought them to this club."

Fletcher believes the move to Turf Moor and the Barclays Premier League will boosts his chances of a regular starting slot for Scotland.

He said: "I have been around the squad for a while now and hopefully I can get a few more games under my belt.

"But first of all I have to perform for Burnley and score goals. If I do that I will be delighted.

"There is a bit of pressure with the price tag but I will take it as it comes. It is important to get a good pre-season under my belt first of all."