BURNLEY'S prospects of landing top striking target John Aloisi could be helped by Coventry's successful swoop for John Hartson today.

The on-off deal for the Wimbledon striker was finally completed when Hartson agreed a three-and-a-half contract with the Sky Blues.

Gordon Strachan's capture of the Welsh international will be push Aloisi further down the pecking order in the battle for a starting slot at Highfield Road.

Strachan had indicated that Aloisi, subject of an enquiry from Clarets boss Stan Ternent, would be staying at City at least until the summer.

He said: "I have had a chat with John and there's no problem. Everything is okay and both he and I want him battling to get back in the team to help the club in the next 12 games."

But that situation could now change following the arrival of Hartson with Coventry looking to recoup some of their outlay for the former Arsenal front man and Aloisi less likely to get regular first-team football.

Ternent is keen to get his man, although it remains to be seen if the 25-year-old Australian international would fall into the Clarets' price bracket.

The boss said: "I heard that they've signed John Hartson. My chairman has been speaking to them but it would depend on the fee and obviously he's a Premiership footballer so his wages could be a bit much for us.

"We don't know where we're up to with that one but we have shown our interest and made it known to them."

Chairman Barry Kilby is now handling the negotiations, while Ternent turns his attention to Saturday's visit of Crystal Palace and a game the manager insists can't come soon enough.

The Clarets were unfortunate to lose 4-2 at Crewe last Saturday but Ternent has vowed to maintain a positive approach as his side looks to follow up their win over Barnsley in their last Turf Moor outing.

Ian Cox and Lennie Johnrose return to the squad following suspension with Cox set to resume his place in defence alongside Steve Davis.

Mitchell Thomas is banned but Davis is backing Cox to help nullify Palace's striking threat of Clinton Morrison and Mikael Forssell.

"It's disappointing for Mitchell to be out because he's hardly missed a game since he came here. He will be a miss because he's been playing particularly well.

"But with Ian Cox coming back he's more than good enough to fill that position," said the skipper.

Micky Mellon is also back in contention following a bout of chicken pox but Ronnie Jepson is ruled out again with a calf strain and full-back Lee Briscoe is set for a further fortnight on the sidelines as he struggles to shake off a hamstring problem.

"It's a long job. It will be another couple of weeks because he needs to get his fitness levels up again," confirmed Ternent.