STAN Ternent is standing firm over suggestions that Scunthorpe United will refuse to pay loan-man Mark Winstanley's wages as they no longer want his services.

The wrangle has finally emerged after Winstanley failed to show up for a training session with Scunthorpe, managed by former Turf Moor player Brian Laws.

That was after the Boxing Day fixtures and now the Third Division club say they are no longer interested in Winstanley because they are "disappointed with his attitude."

But that cuts no ice with Ternent, as the Burnley boss explained the responsibility for Winstanley's wages lay entirely with Scunthorpe.

"It's up to them what they do, the situation is quite simple from my point of view," he said.

"They wanted to borrow him and I loaned him for a month.

"I can't play him because there is no recall in the first month. So even if I wanted to select him I couldn't." The situation is complicated by the fact that Winstanley is ill at the moment with a chest infection and was unavailable for comment.

But, as his registration lies with Scunthorpe for a month, they are clearly faced with footing the bill.

Meanwhile, Ternent is hoping that the big-money signing of Micky Mellon will not signal the immediate departure of Mark Ford from Turf Moor.

Mellon replaced Ford in the Clarets' side which beat Bristol Rovers on Saturday following his £350,000 move from Tranmere Rovers.

And there wasn't even a place on the bench for Ford, who had started the previous 10 games after recovering from a broken ankle. But Ternent stressed that doesn't mean the end of the road for the former England under-21 skipper, who is the last of Chris Waddle's cash buys to remain in Ternent's plans.

"He is a valued member of the squad," insisted the Burnley boss.

"You need a strong squad because of injuries and suspensions.

"It depends on Mark and how he sees it but I would prefer for him to be here."

So while Ford would not appear to be first choice in the Clarets' midfield, any departure would undermine Ternent's plans to add some depth to his squad.

"It would be back to base camp," Ternent admitted.

Ford is not available for selection for Saturday's visit of Chesterfield after picking up five bookings this season, the first of which came on his return from injury in the reserves at Middlesbrough at the start of November.

Brian Reid will also sit out the visit of the in-form Spireites following his dismissal against Lincoln City but Ternent has cover for the central defender's position with Peter Swan and Chris Brass both ready to step up from the bench.

One player certain to face Chesterfield is striker Andy Cooke, who got back on the goal trail with the winner at Bristol on Saturday.

Cooke was the subject of transfer speculation linking him with First Division Barnsley last week but the Burnley front man insisted he remains focussed on the job in hand. The highly-rated 24-year-old is no stranger to transfer talk given his goal-scoring record.

But he doesn't take it too seriously and insisted: "I am just concentrating on playing for Burnley." The Clarets will face Chesterfield on the back of a four-match unbeaten run which really clicked into gear with Saturday's victory when Mellon became the latest of Ternent's recent batch of signings to make his mark.

"If you've got quality players in, you've always got a chance," said Ternent, who is now fielding the kind of line-up he envisaged when taking the job on.

"The quality players reflect what the chairman has given me to get these players. He's given me £1.1 million which is fantastic.

"It was an important win. It takes our run to four matches unbeaten and we have had some tough ones. We have also got a tough month with only one home game.

"After Walsall we played well and we were looking for that level of consistency. Two swallows don't make a summer but it is looking better."

Meanwhile, Second Division strugglers Wycombe - who entertain Burnley on February 20 - have sacked manager Neil Smillie after 11 months in charge at Adams Park.

Smillie's dismissal comes after Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Luton, Wycombe's third in a row. Former player Terry Evans has taken over as caretaker boss.

Smillie took over as caretaker himself last February when John Gregory left to join Aston Villa, and got the job permanently on the final day of last season.

Burnley Supporters' Club travel details for the game at Millwall on Saturday week are: leave Colne 7am, Nelson 7.15, Burnley 7.30, Tim Bobbin 7.40, Rawtenstall 7.50. Prices £12 concessions, £14 members and £15 non-members.

For Lincoln on Saturday, January 30 coaches leave Colne 10am, Nelson 10.15, Burnley 10.30, Tim Bobbin 10.40, Rawtenstall 10.50. Prices £6 concessions, £8 members and £10 non-members.

Bookings to Dave Spencer on 01282 435176 (evenings) and Fraser Eagle 01254 398911 (day).

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