Clarets boss Stan Ternent may be forced to step up his efforts to strengthen his squad following the loss of two key players to injury.

And while chairman Barry Kilby has promised to back his manager he today warned: "There may be a little more urgency in our search for players but we can't afford to act in haste and repent at leisure."

The Burnley squad has always been among the smallest of the clubs chasing a place in the Premier League and the manager can ill afford to have five senior pros in the treatment room.

But Steve Davis, Mitchell Thomas and Graham Branch have been joined on the sidelines by Gareth Taylor and Glen Little. At least Branch is now close to full fitness after his hamstring problem.

That said, the latest double whammy means that, despite the return of Paul Cook and Andy Payton from loan spells at Wigan and Blackpool respectively, the first team squad is being severely stretched.

"The manager is always looking at players and at the moment there are various ones who are under the microscope," Kilby added.

"We have a budget that we work with but we will do our best to back the manager.

"This type of situation occurs every year and we have been aware that it could happen."

This morning promotion rivals Manchester City were linked with a £2.5million move for Sheffield Wednesday defender Leigh Bromby, once again showing that the playing field at the top of the first division is anything but level.

Kevin Keegan already possesses the strongest squad in the division but he is determined to drive home the advantage having taken over top spot on New Year's Day.

One potential target for both the Clarets and City, Israeli defender Arik Benado, had mixed fortunes yesterday in the top of the table clash between Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Tel Aviv.

While his Haifa side came from behind to beat Hapoel and leap-frog them in the table, he was at fault for the first half goal that gave their rivals the lead.

Then in the latter stages he had to be stretchered off after getting a severe bang on his head in an accidental collision.

Burnley had wanted to bring Benado to Turf Moor on trial this week but instead Haifa officials invited the club to send a representative to watch yesterday's game.

That invitation was also extended to other interested parties in both the Premier League and the first division, including the Maine Road club that already has the player's close friend and fellow international Eyal Berkovic on their books.

Benado, who has previously had a trial with West Ham, is keen to follow Berkovic to England to further his career.

Later this month the Clarets face the prospect of two games in three days with a Monday night match at Watford following the FA Cup fourth round tie at Cheltenham.

It is because of that type of hectic schedule Ternent wants to strengthen his squad. If he fails, rest assured it will not be for lack of trying.