But the 29-year-old, who joined Burnley on a season-long loan from Sunderland on Tuesday, accepts he has a battle on his hands to earn a place in the starting line-up.

The Scotland international, named on the bench against the Oldham Athletic, ended last term with Argyle, as he played his way back to fitness after five months out with an ankle injury.

He said: "It's funny how football throws up these little things, but the back four did well, so obviously it will be down to the manager to decide.

"That's two clean sheets on the bounce, so we'll see.

"The manager's got a squad that he's got to choose 11 players from, so (the challenge) is there for everybody.

"The performance against Oldham showed me it's going to be difficult, but it's something I'm looking forward to."

Anderson joined the Black Cats last summer for £1m. after 10 years with home town club Aberdeen.

But his hopes of becoming a regular under Roy Keane were hit by injury two games into his Sunderland career.

And after his return from Home Park, Keane has further bolstered his defence, with chances limited at the Stadium of Light, and he admitted: "I've not played enough up the road, which is disappointing, but that's football sometimes.

"The injury didn't help, and when I came back the players in front of me did well for the second part of the season."

Sunderland have an option to recall Anderson in January, but in the meantime, he is with Burnley and aiming to help the club climb the Championship table: "I've heard some good things about the manager, and I've been told a lot a good things about the boys, so I can't wait to get start properly.

"My ambition is to try to do as well as I can personally, and obviously to help Burnley as well. It's a big club and they're looking to kick on."

Owen Coyle was delighted to beat off opposition for his signature, with Plymouth boss Paul Sturrock eager to land him for a second spell, while Leeds were also believed to be interested.

He said: "We have been chasing him for a while, but obviously the finances involved, along with a couple of other things, did not make it possible until now.

"He is a player I have full admiration for. I remember him at Aberdeen, where he was held in such high esteem that Sunderland eventually paid £1m. for his services.

"Unfortunately, he had no sooner signed than he picked up an injury, and obviously he ended up finding it hard to get back into Roy Keane's likre side.

"But there is no doubting the quality he has. We have seen him at close quarters, he did well on loan at Plymouth last season, and he will be a tremendous acquisition."