CONTENTED Burnley boss Stan Ternent will take a further look at trialists Martin Smith and Stephen Grant as he puts the finishing touches to the Clarets preparations for Saturday's opener at Wycombe Wanderers.
The duo were involved in Burnley's 2-1 win at Carlisle United on Saturday and will be training at Turf Moor again this week.
Ternent has not yet revealed whether he will keep the pair but one or both may have a role to play.
"They're here for a while yet and we'll see what happens.
"I have another week yet then I'll make a decision but they've both done okay," said Ternent.
Former Stockport striker Grant was included in the Clarets official pre-season photo-call which suggests he could be in line for a deal.
Sporting a new short hair-cut the 22-year-old played the final quarter of the game at Brunton Park and he may have done enough during pre-season to earn a place in Ternent's squad as a back-up striker.
Smith has had fewer opportunities, having only linked up with the Clarets last week.
He had little chance to shine at Carlisle, but Ternent knows all about his pedigree and track record and even though Burnley are well served by left-sided players, the former Sunderland player would be a useful acquisition if everything adds up.
With less than a week to go to the start of the new campaign, Ternent is pleased with the rate of progress.
"I'm happy. I just hope I'm this happy next Monday morning," he said after goals from Andy Cooke and Alan Lee saw off Carlisle in sweltering conditions.
"It was very hot out there and they were all struggling in the heat. They said they've never known anything like it," Ternent added.
"But it was a good work-out with one or two decent performances and one or two a bit sloppy at times.
"But that's what pre-season's about, getting it out their systems. It starts for real next week and we've got another week's work so I'm quite pleased.
"We've got through without any injuries as such and that's the main thing.
"They looked a little lethargic at times but I put that down to the heat. And we won again which was important. It isn't important in the respect that we get points for it but it's important for confidence."
Getting through the final build-up without picking up any fresh injuries will be the top priority this week as Ternent closes in on his final selection and tactics.
Hernia surgery for Chris Brass has been the only setback so far and he has joined Paul Weller and Peter Swan on a course of rehabilitation under the watchful eye of physio Ian Liversedge.
Weller got another run-out under his belt on Saturday as the Clarets reserves lost to Unibond League side Droylsden.
"Paul played again and he's doing quite well so all-in-all it's been okay," Ternent added.
More good news for Burnley is that Crewe are tracking Bristol City striker Colin Cramb, which should end any reported interest in Clarets front-man Cooke.
As Stan Ternent again used all his players at Carlisle on Saturday to keep everyone guessing about his starting line-up at Wycombe, the day's most revealing fact was the news that Burnley's general manager Andrew Watson was once a professional footballer.
Watson started his career with hometown club Huddersfield Town and after serving his apprenticeship had one year on the staff at Leeds Road in the mid-1980s.
He didn't break into the Terriers' first-team but after joining Exeter City in 1986 made 41 League appearances as a central defender over the next two seasons, twice playing against Burnley with one win and one defeat.
His solitary goal was scored at Aldershot in May, 1987.
After leaving St James' Park, thirty-two-year-old Watson had the chance to join Wrexham or non-League Mossley as a player/commercial manager.
He chose the latter to launch a career in commerce which took him to Leeds Rugby League Club and Everton FC before he joined the Clarets earlier this year.
Steve Morgan, released from Turf Moor last season, has signed a contract with Hull City which will see him playing Third Division football at Boothferry Park this season.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article