BURNLEY'S loan striker Gerry Creaney has been recalled to help struggling Manchester City.

The move almost certainly means that Chris Waddle has been thwarted in his aim of bringing Creaney to Turf Moor on a permanent deal.

City have slid towards the bottom of the first division - their lowest ever position - and manager Frank Clark is under intense pressure from fans.

Creaney was told by Clark in the summer that he wouldn't be needed again. But while City have been struggling to find the net, Creaney has scored eight goals and shown terrific form since joining the Clarets two months ago.

Without Creaney, Waddle is likely to need the services of Andy Cooke, who this week was targeted by Crewe Alexandra, who will soon have £1 million to spend, when they get the money from the sale of forward Dele Adebola.

Creaney's departure is an untimely blow. His presence up front goes a long way to explaining the change in Burnley's fortunes since the beginning of October.

The former Scotland U21 striker is clearly a class above the average division two player, and although his wages reflect this, Waddle was hoping to put a financial deal together that would persuade him to stay with Burnley.

Meanwhile, competition has begun for another striker, the trialist from Morpeth, Kevin Henderson.

The non-league 23-year-old is also wanted by Carlisle United, where he has played in a practice match.

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