Defence is done - Howe

Burnley manager Eddie Howe will now focus on strengthening other areas of his squad following the arrival of defender Joe Mills on loan from Reading.

Mills, 22, whose older brother Matt recently secured a move to Bolton from Leicester, has joined the Clarets on a season-long loan and Howe is satisfied his defensive jigsaw is complete. "Defensively we are strong," Howe told the club's official website. "We have good cover in all positions and a really nice balance of left-footers, right-footers, height and athleticism. "I'm pleased with how we're looking at the back and we're finished in that regard. Now it's a case of turning our attention to other areas of the pitch where we need to improve, but the squad is coming along nicely." Mills will vie with Northern Ireland international Danny Lafferty for the left-back slot next season and Howe added: "He's got a lovely left foot, very good energy and good athleticism. He's an attacking full-back and a real quality signing who will add a lot to our squad and I'm delighted to have brought him in. "He's a good age with huge potential and I'm looking forward to working with him. He's got the experience of Championship games under his belt and being part of a successful team."