FORMER Clarets legend Brian Flynn is tipping Mark McGregor to be a big success on his old stamping ground.

Wrexham manager Flynn had offered McGregor a new three-year deal to stay on at the Racecourse Ground this summer.

Right up to the start of this week the Robins were hoping that the defender would sign.

But instead the 24-year-old opted to move to Turf Moor without a fee under the Bosman Ruling with Burnley landing a player who, according to sources in North Wales, would have been valued at around £500,000 under contract.

McGregor was Wrexham's player-of-the-year last season and missed just three league games as the Robins finished in mid-table in Division Two.

Many of his 250 appearances under Flynn have been at right-back but last term he switched to a central defensive position.

And Flynn, still well acquainted with Burnley's playing strengths, believes Ternent has picked up a bargain.

The former Clarets midfielder said: "We wish him well. He has been a great lad to work with and I have spoken to him at length about his future.

"I know Stan Ternent particularly well and I believe Mark McGregor will be a very good signing, both for him and Burnley Football Club."

McGregor, given number 23 in the Clarets first-team squad, faces a fight with the likes of Mitchell Thomas and Dean West for a first-team shirt at Turf Morr.

But it's a challenge he's looking forward to after linking up with his new team-mates at the start of pre-season training.

"They are all good players here and I suppose that will help me to improve my game as well.

"Playing with and against better players should improve your play as you go on," he said.

Ironically, McGregor's bid for a place in Stan Ternent's starting line-up could start against Wrexham.

Flynn's side provide the opposition in Burnley's first pre-season game at the Isle of Man Festival on Sunday-week.