Burnley boss Scott Parker says Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s return is a “big boost” and hopes he can play a “big part” next season.

The Iceland international departed Turf Moor earlier this summer at the expiry of his contract but has made a surprise return as the Clarets prepare for life back in the Championship.

Parker is pleased to have Gudmundsson back in the mix and reckons his experience will benefit the squad as they battle to get back to the Premier League.

He told The Lancashire Telegraph: “It is a big boost. Johann brings some real experience, nous and understanding of the football club with where he is in his career.

“He has a big part to play and brings experience as well as real quality. He is someone I am very familiar with and have played against.

“I am hoping he can bring every bit of what I am expecting him to bring, and I am sure he will. He will be a massive help for us this year.”

Josh Cullen is another member of the squad who had a big impact in 2022/23 as Burnley cruised to the Championship title.

Earlier in his career, the Irish international revealed that Parker was someone he had looked up to and tried to base his game on, having come through the ranks at West Ham.

“I am really looking forward to working with Josh along with all the players,” the Clarets chief continued. “Obviously, similar positions and hopefully I can help him.

“It is a new start for everyone and I am looking forward to getting on the training pitch and putting the work in.”

The 43-year-old knows how it feels to step onto the pitch at Turf Moor as an opposition player and hopes to create a ‘fortress mentality’ in the coming weeks and months.

“It will be fundamental for us if we are going to be successful,” he said. “This is a stadium I played and managed at. When it gets going, it is a very difficult place to come.

“A true character of someone is when things aren’t going to well. In those moments, the supporters here have a vital role to play for us.

“They are the supporting mechanism that the players and I need. They can be the driving force and the difference, it is cliché but it is the truth.

“I have no doubt they will (get behind us) because that is what they are, and my experiences from afar suggest that. I am looking forward to meeting them and having them behind us.”