ANDY Cooke will get the chance to re-establish himself in the Burnley firing line, starting at Rotherham on Saturday, following Gerry Creaney's unexpected return to Maine Road.

Turf Moor player-boss Chris Waddle wouldn't have been able to pick Creaney for Saturday's FA Cup first round tie anyway - he would have been ineligible - but City's recall decision leaves Waddle desperately short on experienced striking resources.

Cooke and Paul Barnes are the only two recognised senior strikers available to the player-manager on Saturday, but he believes they can prove a formidable enough combination.

Waddle had been hoping to keep Creaney at Turf Moor, either on extended loan or even a more permanent basis if the money could have been found.

But, even though that looks an unlikely prospect, the Burnley boss hasn't written a possible Creaney return off completely.

"You can't ask for anything better than Gerry Creaney did for us," said Waddle.

"Obviously, it's disappointing to lose him but Man chester City have problems too and he is their player.

"Finance was the problem for us. But you never know what's going to happen, I wouldn't think it's completely dead."

Waddle could well continue to search the loan markets for another striker, though he will be delighted if Cooke and Paul Barnes show him that he only needs to look for back-up.

He dismissed recent speculation about a renewed Crewe bid for Cooke, after they made an inquiry early in the season, and is looking to the former non-League striker to make himself a fixture in the side as he links up again with Barnes.

"Cookey's been patient, he hasn't had many games but he knows Barney well and it's a chance for him now.

"If he grabs the shirt then people know they can keep it.

"But I will probably have to try to get in another striker on loan, because you need the third one. You need competition for places."

Mark Ford should be back in the Burnley squad and Chris Vinnicombe is expected to be fit despite a sore shoulder.

The only likely change to the team is Cooke replacing Creaney, who would have been ineligible as a short-term loan player.

Clubs can also nominate five subs - three to be used - in the FA Cup.

Waddle is considering whether to make an offer to Morpeth Town striker Kevin Henderson after he turned out for the reserves again on Tuesday.

"He's a bit raw but he did well, he could have had a hat-trick. He's got pace and enthusiasm and while he tired a bit he's not a full-time player," said Waddle.

"To me, he's definitely got a chance and maybe we can offer him something. He'll then have to consider whether to gamble on giving up his job."

Burnley won't be able to delay too long, as other clubs are looking. Morpeth boss Peter Feenan said: "Carlisle and Hartlepool are also interested and it would not be fair to keep them hanging around."

Waddle has also been looking at Linfield's former Sheffield Wednesday forward Richard Barker as a possibility.

Rossendale Clarets have places available on the coach to Rotherham on Saturday, picking up at Rochdale and throughout the Rossendale Valley. Please telephone Bev for details on 01706 224924.

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