STEPHEN Grant has been given some time out by Clarets boss Stan Ternent to weigh up whether his future lies in football or business.

Grant has returned home to Ireland where his father runs a successful company.

And if the young striker, who signed a short-term contract with Burnley after impressing during a pre-season trial period, opts to work with his father then Ternent won't stand in his way.

But if Grant wants to resume his Nationwide League career, he will be welcomed back to Turf Moor.

Ternent explained: "He's gone back to have a chat with his dad.

"If he decides to go into the business that's fine. But if he decides he wants to do football he will come back here.

"That's the deal I've done with him."

Republic of Ireland under-21 international Grant made a couple of substitute's appearances for the Clarets against Manchester City in the Worthington Cup last month and also sat on the bench at Bristol Rovers.

And although there is plenty of competition for the striking roles at Turf Moor, Ternent obviously sees potential in the player and wants to keep him at Burnley if he doesn't call time on a professional career which has previously taken him to Sunderland and Stockport County.

Meanwhile, Grant's fellow Irishman Alan Lee pressed his claim for a recall against Colchester United on Saturday following international duty when he scored for the reserves on Monday night.

However, Ternent may be tempted to stick with Graham Branch, who scored on his last home appearance, as Andy Payton's striking partner in the continued absence of Andy Cooke. But the boss will face a further decision for the game at Bristol City on Saturday week when Cooke is expected to be available after recovering from hamstring injury which as kept him sidelined for the best part of a month.

"He'll probably be ready for next week," Ternent confirmed. "He could perhaps have made Saturday with a push but I'm not prepared to do that."

Apart from Cooke and Brad Maylett, who has a twisted knee, the Burnley boss has a clean bill of health for the visit of Colchester, whose sole away win came on the opening day of the season, and he may name an unchanged side for the third game running as the Clarets bid to extend their 100 per cent home League record.

The draw for the opening phase of the Pontins League Cup has been made with Burnley being paired against Rotherham reserves of the First Division.

The first meeting will be at Millmoor on October 13 with the return at Turf Moor a week later.

And injuries-permitting, the fixtures will be a welcome addition to the schedule as Ternent looks to keep all his players active.

The Clarets are operating a 'kid-a-quid' scheme for their televised home game against Scunthorpe United on Sunday, October 10.

Tickets for the James Hargreaves Stand lower tier go on sale from Monday until 5pm on Saturday, October 9 and will not be available on the day of the game.

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