BURNLEY face their first Football League opposition tomorrow with a number of players with points to prove to new boss Stan Ternent, writes PETE OLIVER.

With the big kick-off just two weeks away there look to be several places up for grabs in the starting line-up against Bristol Rovers.

Ternent has rung the changes so far with all of the available senior players getting a run-out during the games at Dawlish and Elmore on the Clarets' trip to the south-west.

That theme will continue against Halifax Town at The Shay (kick-off 3.00) and the opportunity is there for several players to force their way to the forefront of Ternent's thinking.

"That's what it's all about," confirmed the Burnley boss. "I have got to look at a team for this time in a fortnight for the first game of the season."

Competition is keenest for the defensive berths and after a lacklustre showing at Elmore on Tuesday night then most of the back four players could do themselves a big favour with a dominant performance.

Ternent stresed that fitness remains the prime objective at this stage but he will also be looking for some positive signs of early season form.

And he may slot in an extra game on top of the trips to Morecambe and Rochdale if he feels it necessary to fine tune the preparation.

One player who benefitted most from Tuesday night's fixture was goalkeeper Tony Parks who was given the chance to show that his game is in good shape. And despite Ternent's search for another keeper, Parks is in there fighting for the number one shirt.

Ternent, who is not pursuing Wrexham's Andy Marriott, said: "I am looking at all sorts of things. Tony Parks did very well in both matches. I need some cover but I don't want him to get the wrong impression.

"We need two goalkeepers as Craig Mawson is not quite ready. He is still learning his trade."

Paul Weller will again be an absentee tomorrow as he decides on whether to accept a new deal at Turf Moor.

Ternent is not putting pressure on the player to make a decision but will not be including him in his game plans until he confirms his place at the club.

The Burnley boss will make late fitness checks on Mark Robertson, Michael Williams and Ronnie Jepson for the trip to the redeveloped Shay which is sure to house a sizeable travelling contingent of Clarets fans.

Halifax's squad have all gone full-time again following their promotion back to the Third Division and face League opposition for the first time since winning the Vauxhall Conference title. Burnley from: Parks, Mawson, Brass, Morgan, Howey, Moore, Blatherwick, Winstanley, Little, Ford, Williams, Smith, Robertson, Payton, Cooke, Henderson, Carr-Lawton.

Halifax from: Martin, Carter, Thackeray, Bradshaw, Murphy, Stoneman, Sertori, Paterson, Hulme, Brown, Horsfield, Starbuck, Duerden, Place, Hamlett, Hanson.

Rossendale Clarets are running a coach to Halifax, price £4. Details on 01706 2249241.

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