ADRIAN Heath had reassuring words this week for fans worried about Burnley's ability to attract quality players.

He urged supporters to be patient and not to panic after Gary Parkinson's move to Lancashire rivals Preston North End.

The manager said he would sign the right players at the right time, and insisted that the club could afford to pay competitive wages, citing the signing of top striker Paul Barnes as evidence.

"I'm not panicking," he said. "Let's just wait and see what unfolds over the summer."

Assistant boss Colin Harvey has been in Holland watching some games, and Heath is known to admire several players in the Dutch league.

"I think we can bring in the right players to enable us to improve next season," said Heath.

Meanwhile, midfielders Gerry Harrison and Damian Matthew are both undergoing hernia operations but are expected to be back in training in time for the pre-season build-up in July.

Doctors have decided not to operate on centre-back Peter Swan's injured achilles tendon, and have told him to rest instead.

Full-back Richard Huxford, who arrived on loan at Turf Moor from Bradford in March, could be next to depart from Burnley - several clubs are believed to be ready to negotiate with him.

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