KURT Nogan is ready to wear the famous claret and blue again.

Nogan is in the starting blocks to reclaim his number nine shirt against Division Two strugglers York City at Turf Moor tomorrow. And he told the Evening Telegraph today: "I'd be delighted if I was back in the side tomorrow.

"Even if my Burnley future is in doubt and my career at Turf Moor could now be over, I'll still try my best to get Burnley into the First Division next season.

"It must be obvious to everyone that the manager wants shut of me but that doesn't mean I will not be playing for Burnley anymore.

"It will not stop me trying to reach my target of 20 league goals.

"The bottom line is that I'm still contracted to Burnley and if I'm picked against York then I'll give my all for Burnley."

Nogan returned to Turf Moor on Wednesday following a two-day trial with Hearts and admits the past month has proved a difficult time. "I went up to Hearts and that was okay. But I just don't know what is around the corner as regards my future. There have been so many different rumours.

"I just feel I need to get something sorted out. If I'm not in the first team I'd rather go out on loan and help somebody else out.

"I would like to continue my playing career in England if that's possible. But it could all come down to transfer fees.

"If there is not an English club interested, or put off by the transfer fee, then I will be allowed to go abroad for nothing if that situation arose."

The troubled striker was dropped from the Burnley squad on Christmas Eve over a contract dispute and last month added to his problems when he was arrested on a public order offence. Nogan added: "I let the manager down when I got into trouble. I know that. But I didn't feel I needed to be dropped and transfer-listed before Christmas. We had a disagreement because I'd not signed a contract, but I felt I was playing well at the time.

"That was probably the biggest disappointment of my career. I think a move, though, would be in both our best interests.

"It is no good me playing a couple of games and getting left out again. I need to be in the team again.

"My Burnley days are over unless something changes in the next few weeks. If nothing happens between now and deadline day, or the end of the season, it is very important that I keep myself fit, sharp and with the right attitude - even if I'm playing in the reserves.

"I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that I will have a part to play tomorrow."

Manager Adrain Heath said : "At no stage have I doubted Kurt's ability as a footballer. He knows the reason why he was left out against Chesterfield.

"If he plays a part tomorrow I expect him to give everthing he has got." Burnley from: Beresford, Huxford, Eyres, Harrison, Swan, Brass, Matthew, Weller, Little, Smith, Gleghorn, Barnes, Nogan, Winstanley, Hoyland, Carr-Lawton.

York from: Clarke, Warrington, McMillan, Atkinson, Himsworth, Bushell, Pepper, Sharples, Barrass, Pouton, Murty, Jordan, Campbell, Bull, Rush, Cresswell, Tolson, Stephenson.

Gerry Harrison and Glen Little are both fit again after recent injuries and could return to the Clarets line-up.

Burnley B entertain Bury at Gawthorpe tomorrow (11.00) while the A team tackle Wrexham.

Burnley's young defender Chris Brass is on stand-by for the Football League squad for the annuual representative match against Italian Serie B select at he Luigi Farraris Stadium in Genoa on February 19. Bolton's Scott Taylor is also included in Brian Hortons's squad.

Manager Adrian Heath said: "I'm delighted for Brassy. The fact that the selctors have taken notice of him is a great achievement in itself."

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