Burley says Steven Fletcher will be Wolves powerhouse

George Burley today tipped newboy Steven Fletcher to justify his £6.5m price tag and become Wolves' 20-goal Premier League powerhouse.

The former Scotland boss handed joint record signing Fletcher, who moved from Burnley yesterday, his international debut against Croatia in 2008 and says Mick McCarthy has bagged a bargain.

The 23-year-old has penned a four-year deal at Molineux and Burley expects Fletcher, who scored 12 goals in 41 games for the Clarets last season, to prove his worth.

He said: "He's going to grow in confidence as he matures and he's capable of scoring 20 to 25 goals a season in the Premier League.

"He's mobile, got a lovely left foot, is good in the air, scores goals and he's a clever player who is going to get stronger.

"His best years are ahead of him.

"They are buying a young player who had a good season in the Premier League last time and can get better.

"Rather than buying a player over 30 who won't get better they are buying Fletch who will get better, he's one for the future and not only for now."

And Burley believes boss McCarthy, who has already spent £2.5m on defender Jelle van Damme, will reap the rewards.

"Mick is a tremendous manager, he's honest and old school I'm sure he'll get the best out of Fletch," said the former Derby and Southampton chief.

By Nick Mashiter