TOM Cowan has joined Cambridge United on a month's loan and could make his first appearance for the Second Division strugglers at Bury tonight.

Burnley boss Stan Ternent had no hesitation in agreeing to Roy McFarland's request to take the left back for a temporary spell - as Cowan's first team chances at Turf Moor have been severely restricted.

"It will do the lad good to get a game at first team level and that, in turn, should benefit us," said Ternent today.

"So I had no problems when Roy came on about him."

Cowan, who also had an injury hiccup, went from early September to the middle of January without starting a senior game for Burnley.

And, when the manager has a fully-fit squad, it is tough to break into the side.

A loan period should be to everyone's advantage.

Ternent has also been given a boost by the news that Glen Little will be fit for Saturday's game away to Colchester.

There was some concern among the supporters about Little, injured in the 0-0 draw with Wigan, but Ternent explained that the club had always been optimistic he would recover quickly from a couple of whacks on his shin and his knee.

Little had precautionary x-rays as there was some swelling on his shin in the same place that he had suffered a broken leg as a youngster. But, after treatment today, he is expected to be able to train later in the week.

"It is a relief but, to be fair, we were 99 per cent certain that he was okay anyway after the doctor had seen him," said the manager.

"The x-rays were just a precaution and the whack on his knee was probably worse than the knock on his shin.

"But he'll be fit for Saturday."

After all the hype caused by Ian Wright's arrival last week, Ternent took the opportunity to give the squad a day off today, prior to the start of the run-in.

"There won't be many chances in the coming weeks so I thought it would do them good to have a little break," he said.

Meanwhile, Burnley have accepted an invitation to play in the annual Isle of Man pre-season tournament and Ternent is delighted, as he believes it will be an ideal part of the club's preparations.

"I've been there with Bury in the past and I have been looking to go back. It's a good competition and a very good pre-season trip for everybody, including the fans," he said.

The tournament, which starts on Saturday, July 23, has been running for many years and Burnley have been involved in the past.

It is a very popular competition and will comprise two groups of three teams.

Cup holders Oldham are due to defend their title and Stoke City are also set to take part. As well as Burnley the Isle of Man national side will be involved, leaving just two more clubs to be named. Each team is guaranteed two group matches and there will be a final on Saturday, July 2, between the two group winners.

The group runners-up meet the previous day in a play-off for third/fourth places.

Ternent now hopes to arrange some friendly matches at Turf Moor, or not too far away, and that will suffice for the club's pre-season programme.

Accrington Clarets are running a coach to Colchester on Saturday. Seats are still available and can be booked by contacting Phil on 01254 387230 or 07714 025879.

Colne Clarets' coach to Colchester will leave the Morris Dancers in Colne at 6am and the Cafe Claret at 6.10am.

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