MANCHESTER City have recalled Burnley's loan star Gerry Creaney in an attempt to help them climb out of trouble at the bottom of the First Division.

The striker, who has scored eight League goals since moving to Turf Moor just under two months ago, would not have been eligible to play for Burnley in Saturday's FA Cup first round tie against Rotherham at Millmoor.

But Burnley player-boss Chris Waddle was expected either to try to extend Creaney's loan, or, if possible, make his move permanent as he has been a big hit since spearheading their attack.

City, however, have run into a striker crisis and have taken the decision to recall him to Maine Road and Creaney will be in contention for their First Division match away to promotion hopefuls Sheffield United on Saturday.

City's principal strikers, Lee Bradbury and Uwe Rosler are both out injured at the moment and an early return does not seem to be on the cards for either. Paul Dickov is also struggling with injuries.

Manager Frank Clark has had to resort to playing people out of position or putting in youngsters but has now turned to Creaney, who didn't seem to have a future with City.

FA Cup rules mean that Creaney - as a short-term loan player - was ruled out of the Rotherham trip anyway. But City's decision could crush Waddle's hopes of having him at Turf Moor in the longer term. Meanwhile, Burnley Reserves suffered their first Pontin's League defeat in four games last night when they went down 4-1 away to Bradford City.

Burnley are at home to Preston North End in the first round of the LFA Youth Cup tonight (kick-off 7-15pm). Admission is £3 adults, £1-50 concessions.

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