EDDIE Niedzwiecki reckons Burnley have signed a Premiership quality player in Danny Karbassiyoon.
The Blackburn Rovers first team coach was responsible for transforming the young American from a striker into a left sided player when he was reserve team boss at Arsenal.
And although Karbassiyoon never made the grade at Highbury, Niedzwiecki saw enough of the 20-year-old to convince him he can bounce back into the big time.
He said: "Not making it at Arsenal is no disgrace. The standard you need to push into the first team is the highest there possibly is, and they felt that Danny was just a little bit short of that at this time of his career.
"There were a number of players in front of him like Cole and Clichy so they decided to give him the opportunity to go elsewhere.
"But he's has had the opportunity of training with the first team group and he has the ability to go on in is career.
"I had a number of people who called me regarding Danny and he was also highly sought after by a number of clubs in the States, who wanted to take him back there.
"But he was determined to make a career for himself here first and decided to come to Burnley
"He's got a lot of ability, so Burnley have made a very good signing."
Karbassiyoon was spotted by an Arsenal scout playing in a tournament in America two years ago and was given the chance to come to London as a striker.
But after Arsene Wenger decided he didn't need any more forwards, Niedzwiekci, was charged with the task of developing his game as a wide man.
And it paid dividends when he broke into the first team last season for a Carling Cup tie at Manchester City and scored in a 3-1 win.
Niedzwiecki, who left Highbury to join Mark Hughes's staff last season, said "He's a very, very hard working lad with a fantastic attitude to his work.
"He's a whole hearted kid who wants to improve and do better, and is very good going forward. I'm sure he will be an asset.
"Danny's got a very good left foot as well as being able to come inside on his right, plus he has a terrific engine with good power and good pace."
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