New Stanley loan signing Jimmy Dunne says he is relishing the opportunity to step up into the Football League.
The Burnley centre-back has just completed a five-month spell with National League outfit Barrow and the former Manchester United Academy-man is looking forward to helping John Coleman's men with their battle for promotion.
The 20-year-old Irishman says he is prepared to face an increase in quality as he makes the move to the Wham Stadium.
"It's definitely a step up for me," he said. "I've been on loan at Barrow and that was exactly what I needed for my development.
"I think that there is going to be more quality and more pace in this league, it's going to be tough but I can't wait to get started.
"I've been lucky enough to be given this opportunity to step up a league, test myself and continue to learn about the physical side of defending.
"The position in the table here is different to the one at Barrow, it's a different kind of fight for me now, Accrington are trying to get up so I'm going to learn about a different situation.
"I'll have to adjust as quickly because there's no time, I need to get out there, get my head down, work hard and try to help the team as much as I can."
Dunne revealed that he's taken advice from Burnley teammate Kevin Long, who made his first steps into the Football League with Stanley back in 2010, and also admitted that he already knows a thing or two about the Reds.
"I've spoken to Kevin," he added. "He did similar things to what I'm doing now, he went out on loan a couple of times.
"He's a fellow Irishman and he's now played internationally and in the Premier League, so he's definitely somebody that I can look up to and proof that there is a clear pathway for me.
"I've lived in Accrington for a year and a half and I've already been to the Wham Stadium to watch a couple of games. I came in pre-season and I know that the club are doing well, you only need to look at the table to see that, hopefully I can help build on that."