THE build-up to the first game of the season is always full of excitement, and I can't wait to get to Turf Moor tomorrow.

It will be only my second glimpse of the new players as Leeds was the only friendly I was able to get to this summer.

But on that evidence alone it looks like a reasonable squad and the team's shaping up not too bad at all.

I'm quite optimistic about the campaign ahead, and I think Steve Cotterill's got the best attacking options available to him since he came here three years ago, and it's one position where we should be stronger through the coming season, because, as well as the four strikers, the team has the players to provide service into them with quality crosses as well.

I just hope we can get the back four into shape because that's one area where we didn't look too solid against Leeds.

We let them in behind us a couple of times and if it wasn't for Brian Jensen saving twice with his legs they could have scored at least a couple of goals, and that's a bit of a worry.

But there have been disruptions to the back line which haven't helped.

West Brom will be apprehensive coming to Burnley as it's a hard place for any team to come to.

There has been a lot of change at the Hawthorns this summer so hopefully we can take advantage of them needing time to bed in and send them away with their tail between their legs.