DANNY Coyne can re-establish his Premiership credentials at Burnley, according to best mate Graham Branch.

Former Clarets skipper Branch counts Welsh goalkeeper Coyne as one of his closest friends in football following a happy six-year association at Tranmere Rovers during the 1990s.

Since then, the two have kept in constant touch as their career paths have taken several twists and turns.

But Branch is delighted to have his old sparring partner join him at Turf Moor as the latest of Steve Cotterill's summer signings.

Branch said: "Danny is one of my best mates in football and he will really strengthen the back line.

"He's a very good player who is extremely brave, has good hands and is a good talker, so he will be a great addition to the squad.

"I genuinely think the only reason he hasn't gone on to bigger and better things already is his height.

"He's just under six-feet tall and has a good spring on him, but if he was four or five inches taller he would be playing in the Premiership now - no problem."

Coyne seems sure to make his Burnley debut in tomorrow night's Turf Moor friendly against Premiership opponents Everton (7.30pm).

And Branch admits he was amazed the 30-year-old, who has represented Wales at every level, did not make more appearances in the top flight for Leicester last season, where he was signed as back-up to England's Ian Walker.

Branch added: "I'm surprised Danny never got a bigger chance at Leicester, but I am not the man to make that decision and thankfully it has worked out great for us."

Meanwhile, Clarets boss Cotterill was today expected to make a decision on whether to include Derby County trialist Dave Walton against the Toffeemen.

The defender featured in Burnley's 2-1 defeat to Dundee United last Saturday, but then returned to Pride Park on Monday to play in the reserve friendly against West Brom and is also expected to feature for County against Stoke City tonight.

If Walton does fail to return, then Michael Duff could feature at centre half against David Moyes' men, who lost 2-1 at Crewe Alexandra earlier this week.

Burnley fans are reminded that admission for tomorrow night's game is £10 (adults) and £5 concessions, with payment available at the gate.

Former Burnley midfielder Paul Weller played the opening 45 minutes as a trialist in Chester City's 2-0 victory against a full-strength Cardiff City side last night.