INTERNATIONAL triallist Alfredo Bissani has returned to Italy.

And Burnley will not be pursuing their interest any further in the Serie A defender.

The ex-Cremonese and Verona man featured in the midweek Pontins League fixture against Grimsby.

While it was planned to have Bissani at Turf Moor for a further week, manager Adrian Heath confirmed today: "We will not be taking it any further."

He added: "I was a little bit disappointed with his performance and so was Alfredo.

"Considering his credentials I was expecting more from him.

"To be fair, he was suffering from a bit of flu and had an ankle injury. It has just not worked out.

"We've not lost out on the deal because Alfredo paid his own costs. It hasn't cost the club anything."

Meanwhile, Heath was delighted with the Clarets hard-fought 0-0 draw at Plymouth Argyle.

The precious point extended Burnley's unbeaten run to five league and cup games.

"We deserved the draw and everybody worked very hard indeed," he said. "I thought we defended ever so well when we had to. Marlon Beresford produced a couple of great saves, particularly the one in the first half."

Heath and opposite number Neil Warnock were lectured by Portsmouth referee Mick Pierce after a first half flare-up.

Heath added: "Apparently you can't shout from the bench now.

"The ref said we were having a go at him. I replied: 'You should have to sit where I sit every week'.

"He was a bit embarrassed actually when he dragged us over. We both told him that if you can't take a bit of stick then it's not the best game to be involved in.

"It was a strange one. Some of his decisions were a little bit mystifying, especially some of the yellow cards.

"You'd see a bad tackle and he wouldn't do anything. Then, next minute, the card would be out for hardly any reason."

Striker Paul Barnes missed the Home Park clash after failing a late fitness test on his injured ankle.

And the record-signing is already a doubt for tomorrow's home game against fellow promotion challengers Wrexham.

Heath added: "We left Paul as late as possible but he didn't quite make it.

"At this stage he is struggling for the Wrexham game." The injury to Barnes handed youngster Andy Cooke his first full start since October 1. There was also a place on the bench for £100,000 signing Glen Little, bought from Glentoran last week.

Heath added: "Young Cookey did really well and I was pleased with his contribution. He worked his socks off and got hold of the ball when he had too.

"We know we've got a player in Cookey. He's still learning the game and getting better all the time."

Burnley are still showing interest in Exeter's Jon Richardson.

Tickets for Saturday's FA Cup second round tie at Walsall will go on open sale tomorrow.

The game is strictly all-ticket. Walsall have allocated 3,000 seats to Burnley fans in the William Sharp Stand. Adults £10, £6 conc (only 200 conc remaining).

Burnley were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup on Saturday, losing 5-2 against a strong Liverpool side at Anfield.

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