ROBBIE Blake may be cup-tied but he is still backing his new teammates to make an impact in the world's greatest knockout competition.
Blake injured himself in Bradford City's defeat at Walsall in the third round and so will play no part for the Clarets in this season's competition.
Burnley take on Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road tomorrow in the fourth round and Blake believes that a good run in the FA Cup will help spur the club on to the season's number one target, promotion to the Premiership.
"It would be great for the lads to have a good cup run and we've had a couple of decent draws with Canvey Island and Cheltenham," said Blake.
"I'm sure they'll win on Sunday and it would be nice to get a good draw in the next round."
Blake has finally completing his £1million switch across the Pennines from Bradford City and having seen his new teammates in training action.
The 25-year-old is just happy to be at Turf Moor having passed a stringent medical on Thursday despite the stomach strain.
"Hopefully I can start to enjoy my football again and help to take this club places," he said.
The stomach problem has eased in recent days and he is now looking forward to making his debut in the famous claret and blue, hopefully a week tomorrow in the televised promotion clash with West Bromwich Albion at Turf Moor.
"It's dragged on a little bit and I'm just happy to be here," he said. "I can put Bradford behind me now and look forward to playing for Burnley and doing a good job for them.
"I've watched them a few times this season and they've always been in the top half of the league. They are one of the best teams we have played this season and they have got some good players.
"I've met the lads today and they're a good club that's going places. I want to be part of it.
"I pulled a little muscle against Walsall and have had 16 days rest so hopefully I'll be fit for next Sunday's game against West Brom - and I'll be raring to go then."
Blake has been a long term target for Clarets boss Stan Ternent and new Bantams boss Nicky Law has opted to sell the 12-goal top scorer in order to raise funds to allow him to bring some new faces in to Valley Parade.
Bradford's opinionated chairman Geoffrey Richmond could not resist having a dig at Blake ahead of his departure, claiming he did not have what it took to play in the top flight.
But Blake was determined not to be dragged into a slanging match, preferring to reflect on a move that saw him end five years at the club he had joined from Darlington.
"That's football and if the right price comes in then every player becomes available," said Blake.
"I was a bit surprised because I had five good years at Bradford, but I'm happy to be here and I'm going to push on now for promotion this season."
"Burnley had their eye on me for a while and I had my mind set on joining them.
"I think I needed a fresh start to go somewhere else and kick-start my season again and luckily for me Burnley have given me that opportunity.
"Every player wants to play in the Premiership and once I knew the gaffer had come in for me there was no hesitation, I wanted to come.
"I had some good seasons and some bad seasons at Bradford but I have come here and there is no reason why this club can't go places."
Ternent said: "We have been looking at Robbie for a long while and it was vital that we strengthen our squad at this crucial time.
"We are always looking to do that but it is not a bottomless pit and we have to spend money wisely."
The manager has a good record in that department since coming to Turf Moor and he will be hoping that Blake will prove to be another bargain for Burnley.
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