ALAN Mahon is now officially a Burnley player after putting his signature on a three-year deal at Turf Moor.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder originally joined on loan from Wigan Athletic last season, made a big impression in the final eight games of the Championship season.

Mahon, who began his career with Tranmere and later starred for Sporting Lisbon and Blackburn Rovers, has now completed a £200,000 deal that will keep him at Turf Moor until the summer of 2009.

The 28-year-old follows in the footsteps of Andy Gray,who completed a £750,000 switch from Sunderland last week, after a spell on loan.

And Clarets boss Steve Cotterill, who heralded Mahon's arrival on loan by describing him as "the jewel in our crown", was equally delighted to secure the Dubliner's permanent signature.

He said: "We are delighted to officially welcome Alan on board."

Like Andy Gray, we had the benefit of having him on loan last season and that month helped him to bed in ahead of next season and get to know the lads. He is also precisely the type of player who will make us play more next season."

Mahon becomes Cotterill's third signing of the summer following Gray and the capture of Steve Jones from Crewe.