TRIALLIST striker Stephen Grant will get another chance to press his claims for a Turf Moor contract when Burnley continue their pre-season build-up at Rochdale tonight.

Grant will be included in the Clarets first-team squad which gets its third run-out in six days against the Third Division club.

The 22-year-old former Stockport County forward has had a taste of the action after coming off the bench in the Clarets warm-up games against Everton and Sunderland.

And Burnley boss Stan Ternent confirmed he is running an extended rule over the young Irishman.

"We're going to have a look at him right through pre-season," confirmed Ternent, who has seen signs for encouragement.

"He's not bad at all," Ternent added.

Grant is likely to be given some portion of the game (kick-off 7.45) to state his case as Ternent is set to rotate his squad again.

He has so far given all his fit senior players various times on the pitch as he keeps his selection options open, and that policy will continue at Spotland.

"Tonight's game will be another step in the right direction," added Ternent, who may take the chance to field another new face on a trial basis. "I will be looking at two or three different shapes and I just want them to get a little bit fitter.

"It will be another different sort of match and the result is of no great importance, other than that it might just give a bit of confidence."

Grant's future will be one of the things occupying Ternent's mind as he finalises plans for the new campaign.

However, one player whose position has been secured is left-back Tom Cowan, who reached agreement to stay with the Clarets on a permanent basis despite the interest of a number of other parties.

"Two or three wanted him but he wanted to stay here and that was important to me," said Ternent.

Rochdale include former Burnley striker Graham Lancashire in their squad for tonight's game, along with recently appointed manager Steve Parkin's five new signings.

They are record League appearance maker Tony Ford - Parkin's number two who he brought with him from Mansfield Town - Wayne Evans (Walsall), David Flitcroft (Chester), Steve Lenagh (Chesterfield) and Graeme Atkinson (Scarborough).

And the Dale should provide Burnley with a decent test, having beaten Stenhousemuir, Berwick Rangers and Raith in three warm-up games north of the border last week.

Former Burnley striker Phil Eastwood has signed a two-year contract with Conference club Morecambe, after an impressive pre-season with the Shrimpers when he has scored half-a-dozen goals, including two against the Clarets reserves. Other players released from Turf Moor along with Eastwood at the end of last season are still be to be fixed up.

Mark Ford has played a couple of games for Grimsby Town but has not agreed a deal, while Steve Morgan and Ally Pickering have spent pre-season under former Claret Warren Joyce at Hull City.

Pickering hasn't been awarded a contract but the Third Division club are taking a further look at Morgan.

Burnley's opening game of the season at Wycombe on Saturday week is all-ticket for away supporters. Voucher A is required from season-ticket holders with one ticket per voucher. Any remaining tickets will go on general sale from August 4.

Prices are £14 or £12 adults, £13 or £11 senior citizens and £8 juniors. Family stand seating is available on Wycombe's credit card line on 01494 441118 with no tickets on sale on match-day.

Tickets are also available to season-ticket holders for the Clarets Worthington Cup first leg at Manchester City on Wednesday, August 11. Voucher B is required with one ticket per voucher. Prices are £9 adults and £5 senior citizens and juniors and any remaining tickets will go on general sale from August 5.

Colne Clarets are now taking bookings for away coach travel to Carlisle United, Wycombe Wanderers and Manchester City.

For further details, contact: Alan Beecroft on 01282 864147.

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