FORMER Oldham Athletic midfielder Nathan Wharton is trying to win a contract at Turf Moor.

Wharton last night grabbed a late equaliser for the Clarets' reserves in a pre-season game at Rambsottom United as he looks to impress Burnley boss Stan Ternent.

However if the teenager earns a deal he's unlikely to be joined by Toulouse midfielder Derek McInnes.

The former Rangers player, who also had a loan spell at Stockport County a couple of seasons ago, attracted the interest of the Clarets but a deal isn't on the cards.

Wharton seized his chance as he looks to get his career back on track and will continue to spend the pre-season period with Burnley as Ternent weighs up his prospects.

The player wasn't offered a new deal at Boundary Park over the summer after an injury-plagued season but was reckoned to be an unfortunate victim of the Latics' cost-cutting regime.

"We are having a look at him and he's doing okay," confirmed Ternent.

Wharton is likely to be another one for the future if Ternent follows up his interest, while of more immediate concern for the manager will be tonight's friendly against Manchester City at Turf Moor (kick-off 7.45). "It's another game to look forward to. These are the standards we have to try and achieve, that's what we are chasing. But we have to walk before we can run," said Ternent, who will be looking for his side to pick up where they left off in the second half against Newcastle United on Monday night.

With Andy Payton sidelined, Phil Gray is likely to partner Andy Cooke in attack as he celebrates another international call-up.

Gray has been named in Northern Ireland's squad for their friendly against Yugoslavia in Belfast on Wednesday, August 16 to become the Clarets' first full, current international since the days of Billy Hamilton and Bryan Flynn.

Manchester City won't give a debut to new signing George Weah but will field their strongest available side, including striker Robert Taylor who scored five times on his last visit to Turf Moor when he was with Gillingham.

Burnley: Crichton, Mawson, West, Briscoe, Thomas, Cox, Davis, Weller, Little, Johnrose, Ball, Mellon, Mullin, Cook, Cooke, Gray, Branch, Lee, Brass, Armstrong, Oakes.

Manchester City: Weaver, Crookes, Granville, Jobson, Haaland, Whitley, Horlock, Wiekens, Kennedy, Taylor, Peacock, Grant, Edghill, Wright-Phillips.