ALFREDO Bissani has received international clearance to make his Burnley bow in tonight's Pontin's League clash with Grimsby Town at Turf Moor.

But an ankle injury, sustained in training yesterday, could still count out the on-trial Italian.

Manager Adrian Heath said: "He will have to have a late fitness test.

"We managed to get the clearance for him to play yesterday afternoon, but he turned his ankle and we won't know until nearer kick-off time (7-15pm) whether he will be fit enough.

"If he isn't it will be a big disappointment to him, because he is desperate to turn out and show what he can do.

"The lad has obviously got great ability and he's a very good footballer with a lot of technical skill. We've seen that in training.

"Alfredo arrives with a great pedigree and he's settled in really well. He has got a great attitude and always has a smile on his face.

"He has played in the highest level of Italian football. But I'm anxious to see him in a match-day situation. "What we have to see is whether Alfredo can cope with the way we play here. It's a different approach to the game in England and a different world from Italy."

"There are a number of factors to consider. Most of all can the lad settle to play week in and week out and cope with the very physical demands of the English game?

"The only way we will find that out is for Alfredo to play games over here. He has one or two offers on the table in Italy and we will have to make a decision fairly quickly if we are going to offer him anything. We will give him every opportunity at Burnley."

Turf Moor fans are keen to see the Cremonese and former Serie A man in action and it will be fingers crossed for him tonight.

Meanwhile, striker Liam Robinson is due to return to action this evening after a month-long injury lay-off.

Robinson was back in full training at Gawthorpe on Monday following minor groin surgery last month. Defender Chris Vinnicombe could also feature in the second string fixture. Vinnicombe has made only one senior appearance since breaking his ankle at Wycombe last March and is still troubled with a thigh problem.

Burnley's other international star, Spaniard Jesus Seba, is also likely to face Grimsby.

Heath also hopes to complete the six-figure signing of Glen Little from Glentoran in the next couple of days.

The manager added: "Everything has been agreed with his club, it's now just a question of the usual medical and tying up personal terms with the player."

Burnley's FA Cup opponents on Saturday week will be Walsall.

They defeated non-League side Northwich 3-1 in their first round replay last night in a game watched by the Burnley boss.

"We know what to expect and I am sure it will be a good open game of football. We've played them before and, like us, they do play good football."

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