Chris McCann ready to captain Burnley

McCann is now fully fit after two years of knee injuries

Burnley midfielder Chris McCann says he is ready for the responsibility that comes with being captain.

The 24-year-old has been given the armband by manager Eddie Howe.

The Irishman told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It means a lot to me, it's a big responsibility placed on my shoulders and it's a challenge.

"Hopefully I can do myself justice and do the club proud, I'm looking forward to starting the season and hopefully leading the team to glory."

McCann joined Burnley as a 16-year-old and made his debut for the Clarets in August 2005.

He added: "I'm a young captain and it is a lot of responsibility and obviously if things go wrong in the season I will come out and stand up for myself.

DID YOU KNOW?

Injury-plagued McCann has only made 12 appearances in two seasons

"I'm looking forward to it, I'm looking forward to the challenges that it will hold for me and it will be a big learning curve but hopefully it's a challenge I can rise to."

McCann takes over from former skipper Graham Alexander, who left the club in the summer.

"Just look at the captains that have gone before me and you can't really look up to anyone else other than Graham Alexander," McCann said.

"He's a model professional, he was an outstanding captain and a great person."

Burnley start the new season with a home game against Watford on Saturday.