The 24-year-old, who finally linked up with his new team-mates on Saturday after frustrating visa complications, is a big admirer of Manchester United's former Ajax and Juventus keeper Edwin van der Saar.

And while Penny's new club lies just 33.7 miles away from the Theatre of Dreams, Penny hopes to be closer to his hero in terms of playing in the same division.

He has spoken to international colleagues Nolberto Solano, who graced the Premier League with Newcastle, Aston Villa and West Ham; and Miguel Mostto, the Barnsley striker who scored his only goal in English football against Burnley, before moving to Penny's club Coronel Bolognesi on loan.

And Penny feels the Championship is a great place to start his English odyssey: "I'm very happy to be here after a long trip.

"It's a good step for me because it's the first time I've left my country, and I'll try to do my best job here.

"I know a bit about the Championship, but I've seen more of the Premier League in my country.

"However, I've spoken with Solano and he told me it's a very good league.

"He told me Burnley was the better option.

"Miguel Mostto played for Barnsley and he told me that Burnley is a good club.

"Getting into the Premier League is the most important thing for us."

Penny, at 6ft 5ins, is a similar height to the Dutchman van der Saar, and Burnley will hope to have a keeper of similar agility on their hands.

First of all, however, he has to break into the team past Brian Jensen and Gabor Kiraly, and he is looking forward to the challenge: "Competition is always important because you need to do your best, and I try to learn every day from the other goalkeepers because I know that they are very good people and very good goalkeepers.

"I had a problem with the visa and work permit, but I'm here now and I'll try to win always."

And Penny is hoping his ability will bring him a better life abroad: "It wasn't a difficult decision to leave Peru because it was important for me to come here.

"My family told me that it was good for me.

"I'm coming to England to win and to get better.

"Right now Peru is very bad. There are a lot of problems with local life. It's difficult right now.

"I hope that changes, but I hope for a better life in England."