BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent is running the rule over Danish trialist Nicolas Nielsen as he looks for cover for goalkeeper Paul Crichton.

Nielsen has been recommended to Ternent by contacts in Scandinavia and has been flown over from B93 Copenhagen for a one-week trial at Turf Moor.

He played 45 minutes in Burnley reserve team's 1-1 draw at Northwich last night and the Burnley chief was set to give him another taste of the action again today in the Clarets friendly with Sheffield Wednesday.

But Ternent was quick to stress that his continued search for a keeper does not put question marks over the future of Crichton.

"Paul Crichton has been good enough for me but if he gets injured, or something, that may pose me a problem so I've got to decide whether or not Craig Mawson is ready yet or whether we need more cover," said Ternent.

"Nielsen's a lad that has been recommended to us, he's from Denmark, and we have brought him across to have a look at him for a week.

"He will play some part again today at Sheffield Wednesday and then I'll have to make a decision on what we do about him." Meanwhile, Ternent added another piece to his jigsaw yesterday by signing John Mullin from Sunderland on a free.

And the 23-year-old former Claret confirmed he turned down a host of more lucrative offers from clubs in a higher division in order to fulfil his dream of a return to Turf Moor.

"I'm delighted to be back," said Mullin.

"I've spoken to a number of clubs over the summer but it was always a desire of mine to come back and play here and, in the end, it was an easy decision.

"I spoke to clubs from a higher division and got better offers financially, but what made me come here was the fact I started my career here, I grew up in Burnley, and I just felt this was where I wanted to play.

"Stan has assembled a very strong squad and I think the club is going in the right direction.

"Burnley have always had the potential to go places but I just have a good feeling about the club and my own future.

"The manager has brought in players who have played at a higher level, which is important if you are looking to progress further.

"And I certainly think we now have the talent at the club to make things happen."

Ternent was equally delighted at snapping up Mullin.

The Burnley boss had been chasing the player for a while but it was worth the wait as his careful negotiating finally paid dividends. "With John being 23 and out of contract Sunderland could have gone to arbitration and demanded a fee because he's under 24," said Ternent.

"So it's been an on-going thing for a month or two now.

"I wasn't sure if I could persuade John to drop two divisions.

"But in the end he agreed which shows his commitment to the club.

"He knows the side here and I'm sure he'll be well received.

"He can play in three or four different positions and he will only get better so everything about it was right.

"It adds to the strength of our squad and at 23-years of age it's very business.

"The chairman has backed me again so the fans should be very grateful to him for that because I am.

"He seems to be shelling out all over the place at the moment."

Burnley goal at Northwich was scored by Alex Kevan. Burnley lined-up: Nielsen (Mawson), Scott, Devenney, Bowden, Heywood, Williamson (Savage), Clarke (Waine), Kelly, Shandran (Davis), Rhodes, Kevan.

Clarets Supporters Club travel: to Rochdale - Colne 5.45pm; Nelson 6pm; Queensgate 6.10pm; Turf Moor 6.15pm; Tim Bobbin 6.20pm; Rawtenstall 6.30pm; £3. Carlisle - Colne 11am; Nelson 11.15am; Queensgate 11.25am Turf Moor 11.30am; Tim Bobbin 11.35am; Rawtenstall 11.45am; £4.50.

For details contact Trevor on 01282 455340 (evenings) or Fraser Eagle on 01254 398911 (day).

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