BURNLEY midfielder Mark Robertson could miss the first game of the new season because of international commitments.

Robertson is part of the Australian squad building towards the Sydney Olympics.

And the Olyroos will be holding a training camp for their European-based players in Austria from August 3-13.

Coach Raul Blanco confirmed from Australia today that Robertson would be invited to attend the squad session which coincides with the Clarets' opening game of the season at home to Bristol Rovers on August 8.

And if Robertson is given the all-clear to go he would also be unavailable for the first round, first leg of the Coca Cola Cup - the draw for which is expected within the next week.

It remains to be seen if there will be any conflict of interests for the player and a club versus country problem to overcome.

That will depend on where Robertson figures in Stan Ternent's thinking but the midfield man, signed last season on a two-year contract, has already opted out of a tour to South America with the Olyroos to be back at Turf Moor for the start of pre-season training.

Blanco told me: "I believe there is a new manager at the club and he would like to get there and impress.

"We have a tour of South Africa coming up in July 6 but because there is a new manager we felt it would be nice for him to be there at the right time.

"It was in fairness to him to let him go and I think it will be to his benefit."

Robertson was therefore released from the Olyroos party yesterday after a training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport and a three-match series against New Zealand when the Aussies won all three games, Robertson starting two of them.

"He did well and it was nice to see him back with us, mixing with the others and to do the things we wanted to do," added Blanco. Robertson will have to be one of 18 players trimmed from a 34-man squad to make the Olympics in 2000 and his progress at club level is being closely monitored by the Olyroos boss.

Blanco added: "The Second Division in England is a tough league. If he maintains his form and gets a position in the first team that will be quite beneficial for his future."

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