MARK Robertson has been ruled out of two of Burnley's next three games after winning an international call-up by Australia.

The Clarets' midfielder will face Bristol Rovers on Saturday before flying Down Under to join Australia's under-23 Olympic squad.

Robertson will be involved in a double-header against South Korea in Melbourne which will keep him out of Burnley's games against Chesterfield and Millwall.

And his enforced absence hasn't pleased Clarets' boss Stan Ternent, who is disappointed to be losing a player who has been very much part of his plans in recent weeks.

"I don't want to stand in the way of the lad's progress but I'm not happy. We employ him but we can't do anything about it," said Ternent.

Robertson wasn't faced with a choice of club versus country as Burnley were not permitted to withdraw him from the Australian squad which is building towards the Sydney Olympics next year.

"The manager asked me if I had got a decision to make but it wasn't much of a decision. Once you get selected you've got no choice. If you say 'no' they can put a FIFA ban on you," said Robertson.

And while delighted to get the call from his country, his selection is something of a double-edged sword for the 21-year-old who has started the last seven League games for Ternent's side but may face a fight for his place when he returns.

He admitted: "I am really pleased to get selected but I don't really want to leave Burnley at this stage.

"I am enjoying it. It's good that the new players have come in and done well and I am quite pleased with the way it's going, although you always think you can do better." Robertson was with the Australian squad in the summer for a training camp and series of games against New Zealand.

And the fixtures against South Korea are likely to form another important step in coach Raul Blanco's selection procedure for the Games.

"He is calling us back to have another look. He needs to get the squad down to about 20 and it's good to be trying to get a place in the squad," added Robertson, who will head for Heathrow after Saturday's game at the Memorial Ground.

Robertson's departure is a blow for Ternent, who is striving to create strength in depth and competition for places within his squad.

But it is offset by the fact that Glen Little hopes to be fit and available for the visit of Chesterfield on Saturday week when the right-side berth will be vacant.

Ternent will have to shuffle his pack for that game as Brian Reid is also unavailable because of suspension.

But he has no selection headaches for Saturday's trip to Rovers when the Clarets will be bidding to complete their first double of the season.

With no injury worries to contend with, Ternent could be in the rare position of naming an unchanged side.

And after last Saturday's morale-boosting performance against Walsall the same players are likely to be charged with the task of seeking a first win in seven games.

Meanwhile, central defender Neil Moore continued his return from injury with a 90-minute run-out in the reserves against Sheffield Wednesday last night.

Chris Brass was also given an outing as Burnley lost 4-0.

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