BURNLEY expect their pre-season tour to Northern Ireland to get the go ahead-despite the worst political unrest in the province for 25 years.

The Clarets have organised a testing four-game schedule of games-including two fixtures in Belfast.

Now Burnley say they are monitoring the problems as the security situation continues to deteriorate.

The Northern Ireland capital was hit by fresh unrest last night and tensions remain high after trouble across the province since the weekend.

And while the explosive situation is expected to have calmed by the time the Clarets squad arrive, assistant manager John Ward explained: "We have discussed the current situation and we will be guided by the people in Ireland nearer the time.

"Hopefully the trouble will have quietened down by the end of the month."

Several coach loads of Burnley fans are expected to travel to the province. Burnley kick-off their tour against Ards on July 29 before Heath takes his squad to face Glenavon at Mourneview Park a day later.

Burnley play Glentoran on August 1 before the tour winds up against Crusaders on August 3.

Meanwhile, midfielder Nigel Gleghorn has linked up with his new Turf Moor team-mates for pre-season training after signing a two-year deal with Burnley.

Gleghorn said: "It did not take me long to work out that Burnley was an attractive club and I know from playing there with Stoke how impressive the stadium is and how passionate the fans are.

"I had offers from about 12 other clubs including Rochdale, Wigan, Grimsby, Swansea and Cardiff but Burnley had the best prospects for me.

"I trained with the squad for the first time yesterday and as soon as I saw some of the faces in the dressing room I knew that this club has potential.

"Adrian Heath is obviously a manager who knows what he wants. He is obviously no pushover and I feel he can take us in the right direction."

Former Claret Mike Phelan has linked up with Gary Megson at Blackpool as the Bloomfield Road number two.

Phelan, who began his career at Turf Moor before spells with Norwich, Manchester United and West Brom, was previously in charge of the reserve team at Carrow Road.

Phelan, who is 34 in September, will keep his playing registration. Ex-Chester and Wigan boss Harry McNally has been appointed chief scout at Bloomfield Road.

Colne Clarets Supporters Club have a limited number of seats available for Burnley's pre-season tour to Northern Ireland later this month. Aug 17: Luton Adults £14, conc £11. Nov 1: York City weekend (2 nights stay). £60 Adults, £30 juv. Contact Tony Bannister on 863946 or Alan Beecroft 864147.

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