DOUBTS were cast over Burnley's pre-season tour to Northern Ireland today when new boss Chris Waddle admitted to "some concern" about the situation in the troubled province.

Adrian Heath had long since drawn up plans to visit Northern Ireland as a key part of the club's pre-season preparations.

They enjoyed a similar tour last summer and it proved very successful despite some apprehension beforehand because of the political situation.

But Waddle is understandably concerned about the present escalation in the troubles and he is adamant that the welfare of the players, most of who are family men, will be his first concern.

No decision has been taken yet, but there is not a lot of time to spare, as Burnley are due to leave in just over a week's time, with their first game scheduled against Crusaders in Belfast on Saturday, July 19.

"I am talking to the chairman about it and liaising with him," said Waddle today.

"We haven't made a decision at this moment but we are watching the situation very closely.

"If there is to be a change it will have to be made quickly and I will have to make other arrangements for pre-season games."

Burnley are due to play three of their four scheduled matches in Belfast, against Crusaders, Linfield (Tuesday, July 22) and Glentoran (Saturday, July 26), with a fixture against Glenavon on Thursday, July 24. It is a delicate decision and the situation is not dis-similar to last summer when the club decided to go through with their plans.

Meanwhile, Waddle and his right-hand man Glenn Roeder got down to serious work with their new charges yesterday and the new boss enjoyed his first full day's training.

He was also very impressed by the attitude of the playing staff.

"I trained with them, we did a lot of ball work and I couldn't have asked for more from any of them," he said.

"I've also had the chance to chat to a few players about their futures and things went very well all round. It couldn't really have been a better first day and there were a lot of positive things which came out of it.

"Some of the young lads impressed me and everyone gave the sort of response I was looking for from them.

"I've no complaints at all about the way it went.

"It's early days yet but things have started well."

As well as mapping out the pre-season schedule, Waddle also has to get himself fit and ready for the new season as he will, of course, be a very valuable asset on the field.

That is where the value of Roeder will be seen to its fullest effect.

He has managerial experience and can let Waddle do a full build-up, though his fitness shouldn't be a problem as he showed last season when he played over 40 matches for various clubs.

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