PAUL Weller could be back in Burnley's squad for Saturday's game against Second Division leaders Watford at Turf Moor.

And that will give player-manager Chris Waddle a timely boost as - barring a dramatic change in circumstances - he is unlikely to be able to strengthen his squad before what promises to be the team's toughest assignment so far.

Weller had minor surgery on a knee injury a couple of weeks ago but has made a quick recovery and Waddle hopes to add him to the players to face tabletoppers Watford.

Striker Paul Barnes should also have recovered from the slight hamstring strain he suffered at Gillingham last Saturday.

That will be a relief to Waddle, as his experienced options up front are strictly limited in the absence of any more new faces coming in.

Barnes would have had a chance of playing in Tuesday's Auto Windscreens Shield tie against Notts County, if the weather had not intervened.

The picture, however, is not so bright concerning Lee Howey, who is struggling to make the top v bottom clash. It looks as though it could be touch and go for the centre back who has a pelvic problem.

Howey would have had to sit out the Notts County match and looks as though he could be struggling for Saturday's showdown.

The manager was not particularly optimistic about his chances but at least he does have cover in that area of the field.

Steve Blatherwick would be an obvious contender for a recall if Howey is ruled out.

Watford, meanwhile, are attempting to sign an Israeli international but whether they can register him in time for Saturday's game remains to be seen. Alon Hazan has played 60 times for Israel and is a versatile operator who can fill virtually any role in the side.

Watford have agreed a deal with his Tel Aviv club Ashod but have to obtain international clearance and a work permit.

If his move is cleared in time, then Hazan would probably go straight into Graham Taylor's squad. The leaders' main injury doubt surrounds Gifton Noel-Williams, their 17-year-old forward who has been struggling with a groin injury.

Former Liverpool and Tottenham striker Ronny Rosenthal is still ruled out by a knee injury.

Burnley have the incentive of another home tie in the Northern Area quarter finals of the Auto Windscreens Shield if they can beat Notts County in next Tuesday's re-arranged second round tie.

The winners will be at home to Carlisle in the week beginning Monday, January 26.

The full draw for the area quarter finals is: Northern Section Blackpool v Wigan or Rotherham United; Scunthorpe United v Grimsby Town; Macclesfield Town or Preston North End v Mansfield Town; Burnley or Notts County v Carlisle United.

Southern Section: Fulham or Wycombe Wanderers v Luton Town or Brentford; Bournemouth v Bristol City; Bristol Rovers v Walsall; Peterborough United v v Northampton Town or Torquay United Ties to be played week commencing Monday, January 26

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