BIG Vince Overson could be out of action until 1997.

Burnley's strapping centre-half was stetchered off in last night's excellent 2-0 Auto Windscreens Shield win at Hartlepool.

Overson tore his calf muscle after an awkward 65th minute fall.

The shock injury is a blow to manager Adrian Heath.

He had planned to play Overson against Division Two leaders Brentford in place of the suspended Gerry Harrison.

But Heath immediately pulled Mark Winstanley out of tonight's Pontins League clash with Wrexham at Turf Moor.

Burnley's win last night has earned them a second round tie at home to Stockport in January but Heath was more concerned about the immediate future.

He said: "It's a bitter blow for Vince because he's waited patiently for his chance. "We gave him a game last night and we were going to give him two more fixtures (Brentford and Walsall) because of Gerry Harrison's suspension.

"Now that's not to be.

"Vince is very down because it was his big opportunity for him to stake a claim. Unfortunately he's had bad luck with injuries since he joined us in the summer.

"But, thankfully, we've got Mark Winstanley back now and the timing couldn't be better.

"We will keep him under wraps and Mark should be okay for the weekend."

Heath added: "It's difficult to put a timescale on how long Vince will be out. We'll just have to wait until the injury settles down."

Heath was delighted with Burnley's performance, adding: "It was a very thorough and professional display. The players deserve great credit. "They went about their task well and we were the better side.

"Hartlepool started quite brightly and Marlon Beresford made a couple of terrific saves early on.

"After that, though, I didn't think we were in any trouble at any stage. I thought we were comfortable winners.

"To be honest I enjoyed watching us play in the second half. I don't say that an awful lot because it can be difficult watching from the bench.

"When you are ahead you just want the game to finish. But we played some super stuff at times.

"The defence looked solid. It was an excellent, all-round performance."

Midfielder Glen Little, a £100,000 buy from Glentoran, made his Clarets bow as a second half substitute for Paul Weller.

Heath added: "It was great to see Glen involved. He'd been itching to get a game and get out on the pitch.

"He showed some nice touches. He is definitely a player for the future."

Burnley Reserves are in action against Wrexham at Turf Moor tonight (7.15pm).

Burnley have sold out their ticket allocation for the Boxing Day clash at Blackpool.

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