IT has not taken Tony Grant long to become a firm favourite with the Turf Moor fans.

Cool, composed and confident, he has made a real impact in the Clarets midfield since his move from Manchester City last month.

He first tasted success in the claret and blue in the home victory against Crystal Palace five weeks ago when he did battle with Finnish international Aki Riihilahti.

The 25-year-old signed for Palace last March by then manager Alan Smith, immediately making his name by scoring for Finland against England at Anfield in a World Cup qualifier.

Like Grant he wasted little time in endearing himself to the home fans with his all action style in midfield and the goal he scored at Portsmouth in the penultimate game of last season was vital in their first division survival.

Already he has been compared with Eagles former skipper Geoff Thomas, a tribute to how he has settled into the English game.

Grant is one of a number of Burnley players one yellow card away from a suspension but he showed against Grimsby that will not stop him making tackles.

So he is sure to come up against Riihilahti and the midfield battle will be crucial to the outcome of tomorrow's game.