AUSTRALIAN international Mark Robinson is on trial at Turf Moor, writes TONY DEWHURST.

The 20-year-old made his Clarets debut in last night's 0-0 draw against Rotherham United reserves at Millmoor.

Robinson arrived at Turf Moor after a week's trial with Scottish Premier League champions Glasgow Rangers and was due to play in last weekend's Old Firm reserve clash which attracted an incredible 30,000 crowd to Ibrox.

Robinson recently starred for Australia in the World Youth Championships in Malaysia.

He is due to return to for the start of pre-season training with Sydney club Marconi Fairfield next week.

Robinson said: "It is one of my big ambitions to break in to English football and if Burnley offered me a contract then I would strongly consider it.

"This is a good club with an excellent set-up. I was with Rangers for a week but I had to make a quick decision because I'm only here in Great Britain for a short time. I couldn't hang about up there.

"I had a couple of offers in Holland but when the opportunity came up to go down to Burnley I decided it was right.

"I suppose I would describe myself as a utility player. I am fairly comfortable both in defence and midfield." Player-manager Chris Waddle confirmed: "He will be with us for a few days.

"We are just taking a look at him to see how he does."

Meanwhile, winger Paul Smith could be out of Waddle's plans until 1998.

The Clarets winger made his first step back to full fitness this week when he had his plaster cast removed following his summer leg break.

But it will be at least December before Smith will be back in contention for a first team place.

Waddle observed: "It will be about three months before Paul will be fully fit again.

"It is good news that he has had the plaster off, and he is progressing, but he will not be able to run on it for six weeks now."

Waddle added: "I've never seen Paul Smith play in a first team game but I know he has a lot of talent. It will be like having a new player on the books when he returns to action."

Burnley's scheduled Lancashire League fixtures for Saturday have been postponed. The B team fixture at Wrexham will be played tomorrow while the A team fixture against Manchester City will go ahead at Gawthorpe on Monday (2.00 pm).

Due to major electrical work at Turf Moor, Wednesday's scheduled reserve team fixture against York City at Turf Moor on September 10 will now be played at Bootham Crescent. The home fixture has been re-arranged for Tuesday, January 21, 1998.

Due to Burnley's Coca-Cola Cup second round, second leg fixture against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday, September 24, the reserve fixture against Wrexham at Turf Moor will take place the following day (7.15).

Colne Clarets Junior Football Club are holding a Casino night at the Golden Ball Inn on Saturday.

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