ADRIAN Heath launched a continental spying mission today with a mystery target in his sights.

The Clarets chief was expected to fly out to Amsterdam to watch a player in action in one of tonight's Dutch League games.

Heath would not reveal the identity of the player but said: "I'm not giving any names away but he is a defender I've had my eye on for some time.

"I've seen the player on video and he impressed me a lot.

"With the League still going on out in Holland it gives me a very good opportunity to watch the player in action."

Heath has drawn up a short-list of players he wants to bring to Turf Moor and has spoken at length to at least one of his targets in the past 48 hours.

"I'm starting to get a lot of faxes in from clubs with the names of players who are available," added Heath.

"There is quite a bit of talent kicking about and I've formulated in my own mind the players I want to bring in."

Meanwhile, Burnley have confirmed their pre-season tour dates to Northern Ireland.

The Clarets are scheduled to play four fixtures in the province as a major part of their build-up to the new Second Division campaign.

Burnley have lined up three games in Belfast and one in Lurgan.

Burnley kick-off their tour against Crusaders (Belfast) on Saturday, July 19. The Clarets visit Glenavon (Lurgan) on Tuesday, July 22 before returning to Belfast on the 24th to face Linfield at Windsor Park. Burnley, who will be based in County Down, wind up their tour against Glentoran at the Oval in East Belfast on Saturday, July 26.

"Those dates are virtually confirmed now and I can't see that schedule changing," added Heath.

"We had a terrific tour last season and we were made very welcome by all the clubs.

"It gives us the chance to work out in a totally different environment and keep all the lads together for what should be a very good week.

"The opposition will give us a good work out and the final game against Glentoran should draw quite a big crowd because that is Glen Little's old club and he will play in that fixture."

Burnley's only other fixture so far confirmed is the glamour friendly against First Division Manchester City at Turf Moor on Saturday. August 2.

Heath added: "We will probably play a private friendly behind closed doors but we've nothing sorted out for definite yet."

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