FORGOTTEN man Michael Williams has been handed the chance to kick-start his career with Oxford United.

Williams has linked up with the First Division club for a trial spell.

But his hopes of impressing manager Malcolm Shotton in a match situation have been dashed for the time being.

The Burnley midfielder was due to play for Oxford's reserve side against Charlton in the Avon Insurance Combination League First Division tonight but the fixture has fallen victim to the weather.

However, Williams has had the chance to catch Shotton's eye in training since Monday as he looks to seize the opportunity to relaunch a career that has hit the buffers at Burnley.

The 29-year-old was one of Chris Waddle's first signings as Burnley boss when Waddle brought his former Sheffield Wednesday team-mate from Hillsborough on a free transfer.

But even under Waddle, Williams made just 14 League appearances last season as he quickly faded from the first-team picture.

Stan Ternent gave Williams three first-team starts this season before he began his recruiting campaign. But the player, who made 23 Premiership appearances for Wednesday, was transfer-listed in August after Burnley's home defeat by York as Ternent confirmed he wouldn't be part of his plans and recognised he would never win over the fans.

While the other three players transfer-listed that day - Steve Blatherwick, Lee Howey and Mark Winstanley - have joined other clubs either permanently or on loan, Oxford are the first to make a move for Williams.

And Burnley wouldn't stand in the player's way if cash-strapped Oxford look to follow up their interest in a player who has never looked the part for the Clarets.

"I have sent him down there for them to have a look. We'll see where it goes," confirmed Ternent.

Meanwhile, Chesterfield, who visit Turf Moor on Saturday, made it three wins in succession with a 2-0 'away' victory against Darlington in the Auto Windscreens Shield last night.

The match was switched to Saltergate because Darlington's pitch is unfit and manager John Duncan must have been delighted.

The weather in the north-east would probably have led to a postponement at Feethams, while playing the game allowed central defender Mark Williams to serve a one-match ban.

He will therefore be available to face the Clarets and will be vying with Burnley old boy Steve Blatherwick, who moved from Turf Moor to Chesterfield earlier this season, for a place in the centre of the defence.

Boundary Clarets travel details for Burnley's game at Millwall on Saturday week are: leave Duke Bar 7.15am, Turf Moor 7.20, Padiham 7.45. Prices £13 members, £15 non-members, £11 concessions.

For Lincoln City on Saturday, January 30: leave Duke Bar 10.45am, Turf Moor 10.50, Padiham 11.05. Prices £8 members, £9 non-members, £7 concessions.

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