REPUBLIC of Ireland international Alan Moore could be set for a return to the Clarets side at Coventry this weekend after a goal-scoring return to action.

The left-sided midfielder came through a 45 minute test in the reserves last night without problem, bagging a goal into the bargain.

Moore, who celebrates his 27th birthday in 10 days time, has been out of the Burnley side for two months due to a hernia problem.

His influence down the left flank proved a huge inspiration to the Clarets in their early season charge to the top of the Division One table.

To have Moore, who arrived at the club on a trial basis after being released by Premiership club Middlesbrough in the close season, back in contention will be a huge boost to manager Stan Ternent.

And Moore's return in the reserves last night last helped lift the Clarets to a 6-0 win over Port Vale in the Avon Insurance League's Premier Division.

However, reserve team boss Ronnie Jepson still felt that the Clarets would have to wait and see if Moore would be fit for the trip to Highfield Road.

"Alan seemed okay last night," said Jepson. "However, you don't know whether or not an injury like that may stiffen up after a night's sleep.

"We will just have to see but he certainly came through unscathed last night and scored one of the goals."

Meanwhile, the crowd at Turf Moor may have been only just over 13,000 but the fans who were there certainly made themselves heard on Tuesday.

Paul Smith and Phil Miller, from Boundary and Accrington Clarets respectively, had urged fans to roar the side to success against Watford and the atmosphere, with a smaller crowd, was a vast improvement on Saturday's game.

Whether it was the fact that Burnley scored early or perhaps anger at a few refereeing decisions, the volume did appear to be pumped up.

Manager Stan Ternent was aware that two supporters' clubs had expressed concern about the lack of atmosphere in last night's Lancashire Evening Telegraph and he said: "They do like to react to good football.

"But I think that our crowd is fantastic and it was fantastic on Tuesday."

One man who can always get the fans on their feet is Arthur Gnohere and his surges up the field are greeted by roars that can be heard in his native France.

That is the sort of atmosphere the fans were asking for and, if the Clarets can stay near the top, that is surely the sort of atmosphere they will get.

ROSSENDALE Clarets still have room on their coach for the trip to Coventry on Saturday. To reserve a place ring 01706 224924.