BURNLEY are hoping to bring international football back to Turf Moor after a four-year absence.

The Clarets have written to the FA requesting an England fixture and are awaiting a response.

Ideally, Burnley would like to stage a repeat of the under-21 game England played at Turf Moor in June, 1995, when Latvia were beaten 4-0.

But the club would be happy with a lower-age group fixture if it means putting Burnley back on the international stage.

"We have written to the FA and asked if they would consider Turf Moor as a venue," confirmed Clarets general manager Andrew Watson.

"We should be proud of the superb stadium that's been built here in recent years, with the two new stands, and we think it would be part of building a bigger football club at Burnley.

"It would really put us on the map to show that we can host international matches.

"We have asked for an under-21 game but we would be pleased with whatever they could offer us."

The England under-21 side now plays regularly at Premiership venues but in their last home game used a Second Division ground.

Howard Wilkinson's side beat Luxembourg 6-0 at Reading's Majedski Stadium which attracted a crowd of 18,000 people. And with England's senior side soon to be playing on provincial grounds because of Wembley's redevelopment, that could also help the Clarets cause.

Alternatively, Turf Moor could be seen as an attractive ground to stage under-18 fixtures, England playing their last game at that level at Third Division Peterborough United.

Watson added: "It tends to be entertaining football and it would be good for Burnley to see international football.

"We can't make that happen. It's got to be considered but there's no reason why it shouldn't as our stadium is as good as any."

On the playing front, Andy Cooke was set to step-up his bid for a place in the squad for Saturday's trip to Bristol City in today's practice match lined by Stan Ternent.

Ternent was also using the game to keep the rest of the players currently out of his starting line-up match-fit, with the Burnley boss likely to name an unchanged side for the fourth game running at Ashton Gate.

And Ternent is certain to have City watched tonight when they bid to overhaul a one-goal deficit against Nottingham Forest in the Worthington Cup.

Clarets fans can now buy their club merchandise via Burnley's official website.

The club shop's new catalogue will be out next month.

But stock is already available via the internet by calling Burnley at www.clarets.co.uk.

Colne Clarets leave at 8am for Bristol on Saturday.

Rossendale Clarets still have a few places available for the trip to Ashton Gate. To book, ring 01706 224924.

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