Paul Burns turns down testimonial to join Pars

PAUL Burns last night admitted there was no way he could ignore the lure of the SPL after turning down a testimonial to become Dunfermline's first summer signing.

The 27-year-old will complete the formalities of a two-year deal today after spending nine years at Queen of the South. The midfielder had been offered a new deal by the Doonhamers that included a money-spinning benefit match. But he has confessed there was no way he was going to turn down the chance to finally achieve his goal of playing in the Premier League once the Pars came calling.

He said: "I'm ecstatic. I've said before I would like to play in the SPL and I'm delighted Dunfermline have given me the chance to do that. I was nine years at Queens and they are a club that are special to me. I've got great memories and I've had some great experiences there. They offered me a new deal with a testimonial, but as soon as I knew Dunfermline were interested, with the carrot of being in the SPL and the manager and the way they play, it was too good to turn down.

"I want to show what I'm capable of and hopefully if I'm playing well then I'll get in the team and play week-in, week-out. The manager said he wants to keep the team's attacking style and he sees me fitting into that, which was great to hear and I can't wait to get back and get started."

The Pars have also been linked with out-of-contract St Mirren duo Paul Gallacher and John Potter, as well as Chris Innes.

Meanwhile, midfielder Sean Welsh has been handed a new one-year contract at Hibs. The 21-year-old was captain of the Hibs Under-19 side which won a league and cup double in 2009, and, after a series of serious injuries, he played 17 games on loan at Stirling Albion this season.