BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent will not be making a move for former Liverpool defender Gary Ablett.

Speculation in the Midlands today claimed the Clarets were one of three clubs tracking the Birmingham City defender.

But Ternent has emphatically quashed those reports, insisting the versatile defender is not on his list of possible transfer targets.

Ablett joined Birmingham from Everton in a £390,000 deal in 1996 and in his first two seasons at St Andrews he became team captain and a crowd favourite.

But he suffered a serious knee injury in February which has kept him out of action for the last six months.

And despite battling back to full fitness recently, Birmingham boss Trevor Francis has frozen him out of the first team picture.

A posse of scouts have since been monitoring his progress in the reserves, with Walsall and Millwall believed to be leading the chase. And, as he is only on a week-to-week contract at present, he would be available on a free transfer.

But Burnley will not be among those making an inquiry, despite the fact the player is looking for a move.

And with Steve Davis, Mitchell Thomas, Chris Brass and Gordon Armstong already at Turf Moor, a centre half is not thought to be Ternent's priority anyway if cash was made available.

"There is no chance of Gary Ablett coming to Turf Moor," said the Clarets chief. "I've not had a look at him. I've not made an inquiry for him and I'm not interested in him, full stop."

Meanwhile, Peter Swan and Paul Smith have been lined up for a comeback in a reserve game at Oldham tonight.

Swan has been out since February with a serious knee injury while Smith has also been hampered by a knee problem in the last few weeks.

But both should get at least half a game tonight and that will come as a welcome boost to Ternent as his promotion-chasing squad approach the crucial festive programme.

"If they come through it okay it will be a great bonus for us," said Ternent.

"Swanny has been out for a long time so it's great to see him back.

"And Paul Smith was doing very well for us at left back until he got injured.

"But both of them are still a long way off match fitness.

"We've missed them, though, but that's why you need a strong squad."

A host of Ternent's first team squad are set to get a run out at Oldham tonight. Chris Brass, Ronnie Jepson, Graham Branch, Lenny Johnrose, Paul Weller and Tom Cowan have all been included in the Claret's 17-man squad, as well as Swan and Smith.

Burnley will choose from: Mawson, Lee, Kevan, Brass, Scott, Kelly, Branch, Johnrose, Robertson, Devenney, Weller, Swan, Jepson, Cowan, Shandran, Paxton, Smith.

Chairman Barry Kilby and vice-chairman Ray Ingleby will meet the fans tonight in a question and answer session.

The event, organised by CISA, will take place at the Centre Spot at 7.30pm.

CISA will also be presenting a cheque for £250 to go towards the Gawthorpe training ground fund.

Fans are being urged to avoid the queues and buy their tickets for the FA Cup clash with Derby County this week, rather than waiting until Saturday before the game against Wycombe.

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