AS the first division promotion race hots up there was good news for Clarets' boss Stan Ternent after last night's reserves clash with Oldham.

A number of senior professionals featured in a strong line-up that won 2-1 at Boundary Park. Two goal Paul Cook, experienced defenders Mitchell Thomas and Gordon Armstrong and £1million signing Robbie Blake all staked a claim for inclusion in Ternent's plans for Saturday's visit of Nottingham Forest to Turf Moor.

Reserve team boss Ronnie Jepson admitted: "We were pleased with last night as we had a few players out there striving for full fitness.

"It was a competitive match as Oldham had a decent side out as did we. A few lads were a bit tentative but the main aim was to improve their fitness.

"We want to give the manager options but the players know they have to be 100 per cent fit for the first team.

"Everyone was fine after the game, they are all getting closer to coming back and that is good news for the gaffer."

Thomas looked especially sharp and seems to have at last fully recovered from the abductor strain that has restricted him to just one start this season, against Walsall in September.

Ternent has expressed his concern over the form of centre backs Ian Cox and Arthur Gnohere in recent weeks and the 37-year-old's experience could prove vital in the coming weeks. He came through the full 90 minutes without any obvious problem and is now in the frame for a role on Saturday.

Cook, an ever present before his loan move to Wigan in December, has made just one start since his return and he was again an unused substitute against Rotherham United on Tuesday night.

But he struck twice in the first half last night to secure the 2-1 victory and remind Ternent what he can do.

Jepson said: "The first was down to excellent work from Graham Branch and the second followed good pressure on the ball."

The match also marked Blake's first start in a Burnley shirt but having played half an hour at Rotherham the previous night he was taken off in the second half as he continues his search for full fitness.

"He is another one looking for fitness and he has now got another hour under his belt," said Jepson, following the stomach strain Blake was suffering from when he joined the Clarets.

Blake struck the underside of the bar in the first half and will have benefited from the run-out in Ronnie Jepson's side.

There could be even better news for Ternent as influential club skipper Steve Davis is in line for his first outing since the end of October when the reserves return to action next weekend against West Bromwich Albion at Turf Moor.

On the down side, midfielder Lennie Johnrose missed the game after injuring himself in the warm-up.

Also striker Tony Ellis, who recently signed a contract extension until the end of the season, had to hobble off near the end after being fouled by Dean Holden.