FORMER Burnley defender Ian Cox could be on his way to Gillingham.

The 32-year-old, who was released last week, has been targeted by the Clarets' First Division rivals.

Gills manager Andy Hessenthaler is keen to strengthen his rearguard in a bid to launch a promotion challenge next season and he has earmarked Cox, as well as Watford central defender Neil Cox and Bradford left back Andy Myers, as summer transfer targets.

"They are all good players, otherwise we wouldn't be looking at them," Hessenthaler said.

"We need to strengthen defensively because we've only really got two out and out central defenders."

Cox said the Gillingham had not been in contact with him but hoped to continue playing in the First Division next season.

So a move to the Kent club would be ideal for the former Crystal Palace and Bournemouth central defender, who was been hampered by injuries last season and is currently recovering from an Achilles injury.

Meanwhile, Glen Little has a race against time to be fit for what he describes as two of the biggest games of his career.

The Burnley winger, on loan at Reading, has been struggling to get over a bug ahead of the Royals' play-off ties with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Little was bed-ridden for three days after their last match of the official league campaign at Stoke City on Sunday.

But if he has recovered in time to run out in the first leg at Molineux tomorrow, he believes the Clarets will benefit from his play-off experience.

"These are the two biggest I've been involved in playing in the First Division because you know you are in touching distance of the Premiership," he said.

"The FA Cup quarter final was a massive game which ended in disappointment at Watford. We came away knowing we hadn't done ourselves justice.

"Reading were virtually assured of finishing in the top six when I arrived on loan so I've not really felt any of the tension or worry about whether we were going to make it or not here.

"Things have gone pretty much according to plan.

"The season's about these two games now, and then the final if we get there.

"Having just missed out on the play-offs for the last two years with Burnley, I'm looking forward to experiencing what it's like. And hopefully it's something we'll be involved in next season."