PETER Swan is expected to be Burnley's only absentee when Stan Ternent's squad report back for pre-season training on July 5.

The big defender has had a cruciate ligament operation and Turf Moor boss Ternent confirmed today he did not expect him to be back until September or perhaps even October at the earliest.

Swan, who is now doing his rehabilitation work at Lilleshall after a second operation inside a few months, has been offered a new contract by the club.

Two other players who have had to undergo surgery, Steve Davis and Paul Weller, seem to be making excellent recoveries.

Davis had hernia problems towards the end of the season, while Weller has had to face up to a lengthy absence and more than one operation.

But, happily, he could be back in contention for next season and that would be a bonus for the manager who is continuing his efforts to strengthen his squad.

He will be looking for a promotion push next winter after Burnley finally consolidated themselves in a mid-table place in Division Two.

"I am hoping Paul will be up and running by the time we start pre-season training," said Ternent.

"But there will not be any pressure put on him.

"Steve Davis is making smashing progress so that seems to have gone well."

Meanwhile, Burnley's hopes of landing Stockport County midfielder Paul Cook on a permanent basis may have to be put on ice for a time.

Stockport boss Gary Megson goes on holiday tomorrow and said today that nothing had yet been sorted out.

The First Division side are believed to be ready to let Cook go but, as the player is not out of contract, the move could depend on whether they ask a fee - and how much they want.

Megson's assistant, former Burnley star Michael Phelan, will be left in charge during the manager's absence and it would still be a surprise if Ternent failed to land his man.

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