BILLY Hamilton's Irish connection could have struck emerald gold again for Burnley.
The Clarets have SIX gifted youngsters from Ireland on trial at Turf Moor this weekend - and Burnley hope to offer at least two terms.
Clarets manager Adrian Heath welcomed two teenagers from the province on Thursday after Hamilton - Turf Moor's chief scout in Ireland - had put the wheels in motion.
And yesterday, four more rookies arrived at Turf Moor from the Republic of Ireland's capital Dublin.
Heath refuses to reveal the identities of the trialists, for fear of alerting other clubs, but I understand Premiership Leeds United are showing eager interest in two of the gifted players, a pair of twins.
Hamilton, of course, paved the way for the signing of winger Glen Little from Glentoran earlier this season and the ex-Clarets centre-forward is proving a precious contact for Burnley across the Irish Sea.
Manager Adrian Heath observed: "They've all trained with us and done very well indeed.
"Billy is working very hard for Burnley and has recommended the two lads from the North. They have plenty of skill and certainly have no shortage of talent. "I know for a fact that Leeds United are breaking the door down for the signatures' of the twins.
"Burnley have a history of young footballers graduating at Turf Moor from Ireland with Billy, Tommy Cassidy and Terry Cochrane just a few who have made the grade in the past.
"We are starting to get some decent kids in from further afield to complement the young talent that we have at the club. When you look at the overall picture that can only be good for the future of Burnley.
"We will be looking at the boys closely in training next week and there might be a chance of offering them terms."
Meanwhile, Nigel Gleghorn could be back in action for the Clarets inside a fortnight.
Gleghorn has not featured for Burnley since injuring ligaments in the 0-0 draw at Bournemouth on February 15.
"We are looking at around two weeks before we see him back in contention for a first team place," added Heath.
"He may be able to get a game under his belt in the reserves in the next 10 days.
"His overall fitness is not a problem. It is just physical contact in a match situation.
"We have to make sure he is totally right, though. We don't want to rush him back too early and lose him for the rest of the season."
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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