WHILE Burnley boss Stan Ternent continues his search for a striker, he has moved to strengthen his defence by extending the contract of second choice goalkeeper Luigi Cennamo.

The German-born, Greek citizen of Italian parents initially signed a six month contract in the summer after joining from Olympiakos and this has now been extended to the end of the season.

Cennamo has produced some impressive displays for the reserves, and, at just 21 years old, will be learning all the time, especially under the watchful eye of goalkeeping coach and former Manchester United legend Alex Stepney.

He has been a regular on the substitutes' bench as back-up to his fellow Greek Nik Michopoulos.

Speaking of the signing, Ternent said: "Luigi has signed for another six months which takes him until the end of the season. He is now a Burnley player and we'll see what happens."

Ternent has admitted that he is still keen to add more new members to his injury hit squad.

The Clarets will be without Gareth Taylor, Glen Little and Andy Payton for the forseeable future, while Paul Weller and Lenny Johnrose have suffered from niggling injuries of late.

Dimitri Papadopoulos limped out of Saturday's clash with Wimbledon and will be on Under 21 duty with Greece, if fit, for the fourth round FA Cup clash at Cheltenham.

He has recently been linked with Sheffield Wednesday's Gerald Sibon and Southampton's Kevin Davies.

However, both clubs may decide they want to hang on to their players.

Sibon scored as Sheffield Wednesday beat Crewe 1-0, getting on the end of a cross of Owls new signing and former Clarets target Shefki Kuqi.

And Davies may well be retained by Southampton after striker James Beattie dislocated his ankle and is out for a month.

Ternent said: "If I can strengthen, I will.

"I'm always looking and trying, but player availability and the cost as well is a problem.

"Other teams might look at it and think our need is great because of where we are.

"But I want to strengthen the squad long term though and not just for the season.

"I need to get players as good as or better than what we have and anyone we sign, I'll be signing them for the long term future of the club."