Ezno Le Fee “must make the steps to connect to the team” when he makes his Sunderland debut on Friday night, against Burnley. That is the view of head coach Regis Le Bris who does not want to upset the identity of his team for the sake of one individual.

Such is the fuss that has been made of the midfielder’s signing, the 24-year-old is sure to start at Turf Moor in what is a huge Championship clash, or at the very least feature off the bench. However he is introduced, Le Bris wants Le Fee to find his place and fit into what has become a well-oiled machine.

“He is ready to play, he is fit, but at the same time we have to respect the legacy,” explained Le Bris. “A new player can come in and say ‘I am here to change everything.' That’s not possible here because the identity is very strong. The quality of the team is important and he has to make the steps to connect with the team. It depends on many things. The game, the scenario, the players available. He is ready and at the same time he has to connect with the team.”

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Le Bris is delighted Le Fee is on board and added: “The signing is good news for Enzo and good news for the club. He’s a good player and I’m sure he can help, as he is versatile. We needed more depth in the middle and the top of the pitch and he can provide that option. He will be useful. He is also good quality and he can adapt himself in different positions. Probably his best position is in midfield. Either at six, eight or 10. We need depth in that part of the squad and we will see with 20 games to play how we use Enzo and the other players.”

The signing eases pressure on some of the other Sunderland players too and Le Bris explained: “It’s good news for everyone because we need to maintain this high pace and we played this first half with three or four players and probably sometimes they were exhausted. It was difficult to play at the same level. “So with one or two more players available we will have the ability to play at a higher level for the whole part of the season.”

Le Fee’s signing is a statement Sunderland mean business and Le Bris continued: “It’s good statement for the club because it shows that we are attractive and the environment we are building here is positive, to grow, to live the emotion and improve and this is our main statement. After that the league is long. There are 20 games to play and we will see where we are in the table at the end.”

Burnley provide a stern challenge having only conceded nine goals all season – a staggering statistic.

“They have conceded nine so we are searching for the 10th,” smiled Le Bris. “They are a really good team, very balanced and experienced and with the ability to control the game and adapt in real time as well. They are very good at avoiding fast attacks and counter attacks. They can make holes as well when needed. It’s a positive for us to face this team. Sure we will learn and we have the ability to win points as well. So it’s an exciting challenge. With this mindset, we want to challenge the best teams in the league and we have been so consistent so far. We have talented players and a talented team and now it’s a case of playing the game. We will give it 100 per cent and see what happens.”

Sunderland will play their own game regardless of the opposition and venue and Le Bris concluded: “We are always positive. It’s not possible to play these games with a break [differently]. We want to play our football. We face different styles of play and strengths but we want to play our game.

“Every game we have three points to play for. If it’s big, or not big, it’s just three points. We want to play these games positively. We have strengths and they have weaknesses. We will see.”