RONNIE Jepson could make his first appearance in a Burnley shirt at Halifax Town on Saturday.

The experienced striker is currently training with the Clarets after settling the remainder of his contract with Oldham Athletic.

He joined the Burnley squad in Exeter this week for their pre-season trip but a slight hamstring strain kept him out of Tuesday night's 4-0 win over Elmore.

However, if fit he could step up his bid to win a contract with an outing at the Shay.

Burnley boss Stan Ternent said it was too early to say if Jepson would definitely figure, but added: "I am hopeful he will but I know enough about him already."

Ternent's first-hand knowledge of Jepson came at Bury where the 35-year-old front man scored nine goals in 31 league games as the Shakers won the Second Division title.

Jepson would be keen to come to Turf Moor and with one of the better strike rates in the lower divisions would provide valuable experienced back-up for Andy Payton and Andy Cooke.

Steve Morgan will also play again at Halifax, who beat Hyde United 3-1 last night including a goal from trialist striker Phil Starbuck. Morgan has shown up well since joining Burnley on trial and looks a good bet to fill the problem left back role.

However, Mark Robertson is set to miss the game with the hamstring strain he sustained at Elmore as Ternent looks again at his existing squad.

"It's another step" he added. "Halifax will be a far better side and it will be quite a tough game."

Burnley did not defend well on Tuesday night and Ternent will be looking for better from whatever permutation he opts to use against the Vauxhall Conference champions.

And the Clarets could face a stiff examination with Halifax including in their strike force Geoff Horsfield, the Conference's leading marksman last season with 30 league goals and four more in the FA Cup.

Former Burnley player Ian Duerden is also set to figure for the Shay men after joining them on trial following his release from Turf Moor.

Town are also looking to Starbuck as a possible addition to permanent signings Tim Carter in goal and defender Mark Sertori who also played under Ternent at Bury.

Burnley's fans will be housed mainly in the new North Terrace with prices at £6, £4 and £2 for under 12s with some places also available in the main stand.

Kit sponsors are reminded that the annual kit party takes place next Wednesday (7.30pm). Admission is strictly by ticket only and these will be available at the club shop until Saturday. They are free for the kit sponsor. Extra tickets are £4 adults, £3 children.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.