CLARETS boss Stan Ternent was today waiting on news of striker Andy Payton, who was stretchered off during last night's reserve clash with Tranmere at Turf Moor.

The forward needed over five minutes of treatment for a leg injury sustained in a challenge with Tranmere's Sean Thornton.

"It did look a bad injury," said Burnley reserve team boss Ronnie Jepson, whose side drew 1-1 at Turf Moor.

"The physio decided that Andy needed to be sent to hospital and it was the wound that was the main concern.

"I know he had to have stitches, though just how many I am not sure, but we will not know the full extent of the injury until later today."

The news will come as another body blow to Ternent who was already resigned to losing both Gareth Taylor and Glen Little - who have scored 19 goals between them - for up to a month.

Both picked up injuries in the 4-1 FA Cup third round victory over Canvey Island last weekend and Ternent was already scouring home and abroad in an attempt to bring in new blood.

He has warned fans not to expect any new faces imminently but now looks likely to step up his search.

Payton was recalled from a loan spell at at Blackpool last week, as was midfielder Paul Cook, from Wigan.

Speaking of transfer activity, Ternent said: "It may happen today, it may happen in a week, it may happen in a month or two.

"The fact is that any new players have to be better than or at least as good as what I have already got. And there is no point in getting anyone in who does not suit our style of play.

"I have got two, three, maybe four names in mind and if I can get one here or get one there then I will be delighted."

Payton was loaned out to shot-shy Blackpool, who recently sold former Accrington Stanley striker Brett Ormerod to Premiership Southampton for £1.75m.

If his injury turns out to be as serious as first feared, Ternent will be down to the bare bones in attack, with Ian Moore, Dimitri Papadopoulos and Tony Ellis his only recognised senior strikers.

That could mean that the tireless Moore could be asked to play as a lone striker in Saturday's clash with Wimbledon at Selhurst Park.