STAN Ternent's 300th game as Burnley manager is marred by a crisis that leaves just 14 players fit to face West Ham tonight.

The Clarets have lost the services of Paul Rachubka, as revealed in later editions of the Telegraph yesterday, and also Bradley Orr, who was recalled by Newcastle at the 11th hour to answer an injury crisis at Newcastle.

And with teenage midfielder Richard Chaplow a major doubt - and Paul Weller still suspended - Ternent looks likely to have just three substitutes on the bench for the first of two crucial home games in four days.

The Clarets boss, who at least has Tony Grant back from suspension, said: "I've only got 14 (players) at the moment and it has come at a bad time for me.

"Paul has gone back to Charlton because they want him to play first team football and I couldn't guarantee him a first team place, so I'm down to one goalkeeper.

"And Newcastle have recalled Bradley because of their injury crisis. Richard (Chaplow) will also be touch-and-go, and I need to be careful with him because if I played him it might set him back.

"He's got a bit of a strain high up on his thigh and I'll leave it until the last minute, but if there is any risk at all I won't do it.

"Then of course I've got Paul Weller out for another two games, so we're a bit thin."

Ternent admitted his 300th game in charge, since taking charge at Turf Moor in the summer of 1998, had caught him on the hop.

Burnley chairman Barry Kilby will mark the milestone by making a special presentation to the Clarets chief at pitchside just before kick off tonight.

And Ternent joked: "It feels like about 3,000 games!

"It's nice because I wasn't aware of it, but I feel we've done alright. It's been a bit difficult this time around and we've still got a bit of work to do to get up to the 50-point mark, but I'm confident we'll do that and maintain our First Division status.

"Considering everything that's happened, that would be a step in the right direction."

West Ham arrive on an impressive five-game unbeaten league run, and Ternent said: "It will be a tough game between two attacking sides and we might have to score more than them!

"But we'll have a good go and it should be an attractive match. I hope everybody turns up to watch because they're a good footballing side, and I like to think we are."

Meanwhile, Brian Jensen is warning the coming days could go a long way towards securing safety.

The Clarets goalkeeper said: "Some of the other struggling clubs have closed the gap - especially Nottingham Forest thanks to Gareth Taylor - and we have to get going again.

"West Ham are a good side going forward, and have many good players and Preston are also dangerous,

"But we know we need another four wins and a couple of good results and the whole picture will look a whole lot better."

Police will not be investigating allegations of racist abuse directed at Mohamed Camara during Millwall's 2-0 win over Burnley at the weekend.

A police spokesman said: "Unless a formal allegation is made we can't investigate."