BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent has been hit by a double injury blow ahead of Saturday's trip to bogey ground Adams Park.

Brian Reid and Mark Robertson are both undergoing treatment in a race to be fit for the game at Wycombe Wanderers where Burnley have been beaten on each of their previous three visits.

Reid pulled a hamstring and Robertson picked up a groin strain in training earlier this week.

And with Micky Mellon and Neil Moore both suspended and Glen Little unlikely to be ready for a return to action, Ternent is finding his resources badly stretched.

"That's why you need a big squad," stressed the Clarets chief who will be looking to add more than last week's £225,000 capture of Lenny Johnrose to his staff in the coming months.

On a positive note, Peter Swan is winning his fight for fitness following a calf strain and is optimistic of being available to face the relegation strugglers.

And Chris Brass didn't figure as the Clarets reserve side beat Barnsley 2-0 at Turf Moor last night as he stands by for a possible return to first-team action.

Reid is hopeful of extending his run in the side but Swan or Brass could fill in alongside Steve Davis if the Scot fails to make it.

Ternent's options in midfield may not be so straightforward, however, if Robertson is ruled out.

The Australian under-20 international looked like providing a straight swap for Mellon, who serves a one-match ban after picking up five bookings, but his absence could give Ternent a problem to solve on the right-hand side.

One player who will be in the starting line-up on Saturday is leading scorer Andy Payton who has had a pain-free week after a sciatic problem forced him onto the bench last weekend.

Payton was badly missed as the Clarets drew 1-1 with Reading and his presence will be vital as Burnley look to continue their impressive away form and reverse the trend at Adams Park where they have lost 5-0, 4-1 and 2-1 in their three games played.

"I think we've got a bit of a bad record down there so we have worked very hard on team play this week and hopefully we can get three points for the gaffer," said Payton.

"We got beat 2-1 last year and we were a bit unlucky really. We had a few chances but the year before I wasn't here and I think they got stuffed.

"We need points obviously and we want to get a run going again and then start winning at home."

Meanwhile, Lee Howey's protracted move to Northampton Town could yet hit a late snag if the Cobblers press ahead with a move for Bristol City striker Steve Torpey. Howey was expected to sign on a permanent basis following a three-month loan spell from Burnley before Town's clash at Oldham on Saturday.

A £50,000 fee has been agreed and Howey is believed to have sorted out personal terms.

But Northampton have now been given some encouragement that a club record £225,000 deal for Torpey could go ahead which might eat into their transfer budget and place the Howey deal in jeopardy.

It may be that Ian Atkins is able to sign both but if the Howey deal is threatened Burnley will be less than pleased.

Northampton could include ex-Claret Damian Matthew in their squad for the Oldham game for the first time since the opening weeks of the season following the midfielder's recovery from a back operation.

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