BURNLEY have opened contract talks with Gerry Harrison, writes PETE OLIVER.

But the outcome could depend on the impact of the Bosman ruling.

Out of contract players over the age of 24 will be able to move for nothing for the first time this summer and Harrison falls into that category.

Burnley boss Chris Waddle is keen to keep the defender at Turf Moor but will not be breaking the bank in his negotiations with players who will soon be free to weigh up offers from other clubs.

"We have opened talks with his agent," confirmed Waddle who hopes to reach agreement on a figure.

"If the demands are silly then, sorry, but that's football. There will be a lot of players out there in the wilderness in the summer dying to play for Burnley.

"We will offer what we think is a fair wage for Burnley."

Waddle believes the grass may not necessarily be greener elsewhere for players contemplating a move under freedom of contract.

And Harrison, who has been linked with a summer switch to Notts County, is one of a number of players approaching the end of their contracts who have been identified by Waddle as part of his plans for next season.

More pressing, however, is Burnley's fight to stay in the Second Division and tomorrow's game at relegation rivals Carlisle, who along with the Clarets are one of four sides in the bottom four on 34 points.

Waddle is contemplating changes for the crucial trip to Brunton Park -but is not showing his hand. Changes in both personnel and formation may come into his thinking after Tuesday night's home defeat by Wrexham, which Waddle admitted was the worst performance by his side since before Christmas.

He will stick to the same squad of 14 but Paul Weller and Mark Ford will be both be pressing for promotion from the bench.

Weller could return at left back which would allow Mark Winstanley to return to a central defensive role alongside Harrison and Neil Moore - the line-up largely responsible for the revival which had promised to lift the Clarets clear of trouble.

Ford could then fill the central midfield role unless Waddle goes for a 4-4-2 line-up when he would have a second spot to fill across the middle of the park with Harrsion, Weller and Jamie Hoyland possible candidates.

"I know in my mind what I will be doing but I will keep my cards close to my chest," said the player-manager, who predicts the most hungry side will win themselves some breathing space tomorrow.

He added: "It's he who dares wins. We have got to be totally focussed and think of every game as a cup final.

"People will say it's hard to play 10 or 12 cup finals but if that's what gets us motivated we have got to think that way.

"It's a very big game but we have been saying that since Chesterfield on Boxing Day. It's not make-or-break but it's very important that we pick something up.

"We have beaten them twice but this will be the hardest of three because it's on the their ground and they will want revenge. It will be a good test of our temperament and our mental strength."

Burnley from: Beresford, Brass, Winstanley, Harrison, Moore, Blatherwick, Little, Robertson, Cooke, Payton, Ford, Hoyland, Henderson, Weller.

Carlisle from: Caig, Liburd, Hopper, Barr, Varty, Pounewatchy, Anthony, Prokas, Stevens, Smart, Wright, Pagal, Dobie, Couzens, McAlindon.

Waddle has denied any interest in Halifax's Geoff Horsfield, the Vauxhall Conference's leading scorer with 29 goals who has been called up to play for England's semi-professional side against Holland next week.

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