CLARETS target Andy Payton was today trying to iron out the contractual hitch with Huddersfield that has delayed his move to Burnley.

The two clubs have agreed to swap strikers Payton and Paul Barnes.

And both managers, Chris Waddle and Peter Jackson, are confident that the deal will go ahead in time for the weekend's games.

Waddle, in particular, will be eager to have Payton in place with Andy Cooke beginning a two-game suspension on Saturday.

But last night's postponed Auto Windscreens Shield second round tie against Notts County - now rearranged for next Tuesday, January 20 - means Cooke will only miss one League game.

Barnes travelled to Huddersfield last night for routine scans, a policy of the Yorkshire club.

And the striker will complete the usual medical checks today.

That will leave Payton's hitch with Huddersfield as the only remaining obstacle to a deal.

Payton's agent, Raymond Spark, said today: "The hitch still remains and we are not being difficult at all.

"We are just being absolutely consistent.

"If Huddersfield dig their heels in the deal will be off again.

"The last time I spoke to Huddersfield they said 'We are not fussed whether Andy Payton leaves the club'.

"The scans for Paul Barnes have also contributed to the stand-off.

"If he has had the all-clear from the scans then it should be relatively straightforward because everybody knows what they have to do." Waddle added: "Huddersfield must be going to do something. They would not give Paul Barnes scans if they did not want to complete the deal.

"We want to push it through so that Andy can train with us on Friday before we travel to Bristol.

"Once we get the nod from Huddersfield we are happy we can get Andy done and dusted before tomorrow."

The player-manager was annoyed at the timing of the decision to postpone the Notts County game for the second successive week: "It was a shame the decision was so late at around 5.40pm.

"We thought the ref could have called it off at 2.30pm.

Tonight's reserve team game against Rochdale at Turf Moor has been cancelled.

Burnley Supporters Club are running away travel to Bristol Rovers, Saturday.

Pick-up times Colne 8.30am; Nelson 8.45am; Burnley 9am; Tim Bobbins 9.05am; Rawtenstall 9.20am.

Prices are: Non-members £15; members £13; concessions £11; under-12s £8. Bookings: Viscount Central 01282 439371 (daytime); Dave Spencer on 01282 435176 (after 5pm).

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