Cam to be a major player

READY FOR ATHLETIC CHALLENGE . . . new SportsDirect.com Park signing Cameron Burgess

ATHLETIC'S new-look defence could feature two new players tonight, with Cameron Burgess set to make his debut against Preston.

The giant on-loan Fulham defender, who played a big part in a similar half-season spell at Cheltenham in the Vanarama National League last season, is seen by Stephen Robinson as a major player for Athletic's coming campaign

DEAL

Robinson hopes to tie up a deal for another central defender today - Bury's Peter Clarke has been linked with a switch, should a deal be struck for the Shakers to release him from his Gigg Lane contract - and a midfielder is also set to join, with a chance that both could be involved against the Championship club at SportsDirect.com Park.

Burgess (20) has overcome a slight hamstring strain and will be involved in tonight's home friendly against the Lilywhites (7pm kick-off).

And the Scotland-born Australia youth international, who stands at nearly 6ft 5in, is unworried about making the step up two divisions after helping Cheltenham back into the EFL.

"I want to get experience and in playing in such a good division, progress working with my new team-mates and manager," Burgess said

"As a squad, we want to take a game at a time and do as well as we can. There is a good bunch of players here and I have seen that already.

"I would consider Cheltenham to be better than any other teams in the Conference - no disrespect to other sides in that league - and we showed that.

"The step up will be a challenge, but it's something I am really looking forward to."

Burgess had a slight hamstring strain which prevented his unveiling prior to the 2-0 loss to Huddersfield.

Now fully fit again, having also spent a week in Ireland in pre-season with Fulham he is eager to absorb the know-how of a coaching team that comprises not only Robinson, but also experienced hands Sean O'Driscoll and assistant boss Ian Baraclough.

"There is lots of experience and they know exactly what they want, which is good for me coming here," Burgess added.

"I will learn a lot and it's good to hear their views and I am buying in to what they want.

"They have been there and done it and I have a lot of respect for what they have done in the game."

Samir Nabi, who played as a trialist against Huddersfield at the weekend, will not be involved in tonight's game, Robinson confirmed.