CHRIS Waddle is extending the trial of central defender Neil Moore.

The ex-Everton man has spent the last fortnight at Turf Moor and, if he continues to impress, Burnley could offer the 24-year-old a deal.

Waddle explained: "Neil has done very well during his short spell with us. He has caught my eye in training and his attitude is very good.

"He will be staying with us for a little longer and then we will make our minds up about what is happening.

"I certainly don't want to mess the lad about and a decision will be made in the near future."

Moore is expected to get another opportunity to impress on Wednesday when the Clarets take a strong second team to play UniBond League outfit Barrow at Holker Street.

A trainee at Everton under Howard Kendall, Moore later had loan spells with Blackpool, Oldham, Carlisle and Rotherham. His last club was Norwich City.

Meanwhile, Waddle was satisfied with Burnley's 0-0 draw against Gillingham.

The Clarets had to fight tooth and nail for a point after Burnley were reduced to 10 men following David Eyres' sending-off.

Waddle said: "David is a very influential player and the red card meant we had to cope with a Gillingham bombardment.

"It was backs-to-the-wall stuff for a long period but I thought we coped very well. "There was even a stage when I thought we might go on and nick the game.

"There were two tired teams at the final whistle but the commitment and desire was there and that encouraged me a lot."

Waddle, meanwhile, has called for the Football League to consider Saturday night kick-offs during the first month of the season.

The pitchside temperature clocked 90 degrees at Turf Moor and Waddle added: "It was unbelievably hot.

"I definitely think the first month of the season should be evening kick-offs.

"I don't think 3pm kick-offs benefit either the players or the fans who pay their money.

"Fans want to see commitment and players playing as hard as they can.

"But it is very difficult to see the level of performance you want when it is so hot.

"Once the normal weather returns I think you will see teams kick-starting again. At the minute the heat is a great leveller."

Previous sport story

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.