Rochdale midfielder Matthew Lund has agreed to join Championship side Burton Albion on a two-year-deal when his contract at Rochdale expires at the end of next month.
The 26-year-old, who has been in terrific form for the League One outfit this season scoring ten goals in 37 games, admitted that playing at a higher level has always been an ambition of his.
“Playing in the Championship has been an aim of mine for a couple of seasons now,” said Lund, who has been capped twice by Northern Ireland.
“It’s an opportunity for me to show what I can do at a higher level and I want to show Burton, my family and friends that I can make that step up.
“One of the main reasons for wanting to play in the Championship is that there are a few players ahead of me in the Northern Ireland team playing at a higher level so it’s difficult at the minute for me to cement a place in the side.
“So that’s another goal for me over the next few years to be able to show that I can play at this level and play internationally and do well.”
Meanwhile, Burton boss Nigel Clough was delighted to have landed the goalscoring midfielder as he acknowledged such players are few and far between.
Clough said: “Not many midfielders get double figures of goals these days, there aren’t many of them about. He complements what we already have in that department and should fit in well.
“He has good experience in League One and is an international as well. He’s very keen to make the step up to the Championship to further his international aspirations.
“If he gets regular games at this level that will help him establish himself with Northern Ireland so this is a good opportunity for him,” added Clough.
“Once again it’s about his character as well as his ability. He will fit into the dressing room we already have here.”
Picture courtesy of Burton Albion FC.
