Clarets defender Ian Cox believes Burnley must reach for the stars and try and follow the example of Watford and Manchester City when they launch their First Division campaign.

Consolidation has been the watchword around Turf Moor since the Clarets clinched promotion to the Nationwide League top-flight.

But while that is a realistic ambition, Cox feels the club shouldn't be settling for just holding their own before they've kicked a ball.

"I think you've got to aim higher than that. You've got to aim as high as possible.

"Then if you fall short you can still have had a good season, so you've got to aim as high as you can.

"Look what Manchester City and Watford did," he said.

Cox isn't claiming that Burnley will kick-off as major contenders to go straight up into the Premiership in the way Watford did two years ago and City did last month.

But missing out on a promotion challenge would mean mid-table security, while failing to consolidate could mean a relegation struggle.

That's the last thing Burnley want as they bid to establish themselves as a top club again and with major new television income for First Division sides due to kick in the season after next.

However, Cox is under no illusions about the size of the task facing Stan Ternent's men.

He added: "It is going to be just like a mini Premier League with the likes of Blackburn, Bolton, Wolves and Barnsley.

"There's Preston as well and there are so many big clubs around that every game is going to be like a cup final."

Burnley are also likely to need one or two additions to their squad and while there has been no transfer market activity yet names that have had an airing, along with Bury midfielder Nicky Daws, include Fulham's former Sunderland skipper Kevin Ball and Luton Town striker Phil Gray.

However, there aren't thought to have been any approaches from the Clarets for any of the trio who are all likely to be available during the summer.

Daws has made it known that he is looking to play First Division football next season and Bury have confirmed that they will listen to offers for their longest-serving player, an integral part of the Shakers side that won successive promotions under Ternent.

However, while a move to Turf Moor would appeal to Daws, the 30-year-old is under contract and won't be going anywhere until Bury have received an acceptable offer.

Ball, a £250,000 signing from Sunderland last December, is also under contract but may be allowed to leave Craven Cottage following the appointment of Jean Tigana as manager.

The 35-year-old ball-winner has played his entire career in the top two divisions and would be a steadying hand if someone else was to offer him the chance of more regular first-team football.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland international Gray is out of contract at Luton and the 31-year-old striker, whose goal at Turf Moor in March was one of 10 he scored following the turn of the year, could be on the move with Luton boss Lennie Lawrence having to work within a restricted budget.

Gray plans to speak to Luton first about a new offer but following Steve Davis and Mitchell Thomas to Turf Moor would be an attractive prospect for the former Spurs and Sunderland forward if Ternent was to look in his direction for striking reinforcements.