MATT Lowton is the right player and character to inspire Burnley to another promotion, according to former Claret Jamie Hoyland.

Right-back Lowton this week became Sean Dyche’s first summer signing on a three-year deal from Aston Villa, to replace Kieran Trippier.

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And Hoyland feels the fact that the 26-year-old has foregone the two years remaining on his Villa contract to drop down a level in search of regular first team football makes him the right Turf Moor model.

“He’s a really good signing. He has gone from Sheffield United to Aston Villa and it’s not really worked out how he would have wanted. But he is at an age where he has still got the appetite and hunger to prove himself and get back up there,” said Hoyland, himself a former Blade.

“There was a massive gap at right back with Trippier leaving for Spurs, they needed to fill it quickly and they have.

“He has that versatility which is always good in the squad, but first and foremost he is going to be the right back and that’s where they will use him.”

And Lowton admitted the lure of regular first team football was too strong to turn down.

“There were a few other clubs interested but when my agent told me he had spoken to the manager and Trippier was leaving - that was well publicised - I knew there was a space where I would play,” said the Chesterfield-born defender.

“It was a bit of a no-brainer really, coming to play football at a team that’s pushing for promotion.

“It’s a new era for me so I just need to come in and win the fans over and get us points and up the league.

“Villa has been a fantastic experience. The first season I played almost every minute of every game.

“Although it hasn’t worked out in the end as much as I would have liked, the experience I’ve gained there is priceless and hopefully I can take that into next season.”

Hoyland believes the Blades gave the full back a good grounding too.

After a loan at Sheffield FC in 2008, in January 2009 Lowton was loaned to Sheffield United’s Hungarian sister club Ferencváros to experience competitive first team football.

He made 18 senior appearances before returning to Bramall Lane and eventually establishing himself in the first team the season after.

He made his debut in March 2010 and went on to earn a Premier League move to Villa two years later.

“He has learned the hard way,” said Hoyland. “He has done it all and knows what it’s all about. He’s not had it on a plate in his career.

“He has come to a good club and he is a typical Sean Dyche signing - one of those players who has done well at a level and who he knows all about so it isn’t a gamble as such.

“He looks a steady character and knows what he is doing so he will fit straight into the side.”