BURNLEY have lodged an appeal with the FA after learning that Richard Chaplow could be forced to miss their FA Cup fifth round tie.

The Clarets are furious at provisional plans to stage the game against either Telford or Millwall next Wednesday - just 24 hours after Chaplow hopes to don an England shirt for the first time.

Burnley boss Stan Ternent was happy to release his teenage midfield star for Under 19s duty because no game clashed with England's friendly in Holland.

But should tomorrow night's protracted fourth round tie between the Bucks and the Lions either be postponed for a third time, or end in a replay, the FA have already pencilled in the next round for Wednesday, February 18.

That news was met with incredulity at Turf Moor, where chairman Barry Kilby has immediately appealed to the footballing authorities to postpone the game for another week if needed.

Kilby, who is also wary that a postponement of Saturday's fifth round tie would cost the club £30,000 in TV highlights fees, said: "We are not happy at all with the current arrangement.

"Why should we face losing an influential player for such a crucial game when the delay in playing is nothing to do with us.

"We have already appealed to the Football Association and I expect them to take into consideration our situation if tomorrow's game does not throw up a winner."

As it stands, a result in tomorrow night's delayed fourth round tie would see Chaplow available and the fifth round tie go ahead on Saturday as planned.

Meanwhile, Brian Jensen admits he has never been happier in his life following an eventful few days on and off the field.

Wife Maria gave birth to the couple's first child, Jamie, last week, and Jensen celebrated with a second successive clean sheet in Saturday's vital 1-0 win over Gillingham.

And the Dane, who made a fantastic late save to keep the priceless lead intact, dedicated his fourth shut-out in six games to his bouncing baby boy.

He said: "The clean sheet was for Jamie, and I've never been so happy in my life. It's taken all season to get the clean sheets, but they are racking up now and we are flying at the moment.

"Hopefully we can keep that going.

"Confidence has always been quite high in the side because we know what we can do. We just need to calm down a bit and play more enjoyable football, and the supporters will then enjoy it a little more too."

Burnley Reserves play their rearranged Pontins League game at Bradford tonight. Recent loan signings Bradley Orr and Paul Rachubka are expected to feature in a strong team at Valley Parade (KO 7pm).