BURNLEY are lining up a pre-season friendly against Premiership new boys Sunderland at Turf Moor.

Manager Adrian Heath has confirmed he has asked Roker Park boss Peter Reid to bring a strong Wearside outfit to Turf Moor before the big kick-off - and Reid has agreed.

Heath confirmed: "Sunderland have agreed to pencil in a date, although we cannot confirm when that will be yet. Hopefully, the fixture will go ahead.

"The first week in August is the most likely time and it will definitely be at home.

"Sunderland are the sort of opposition who would provide a good test for us. It would be a really attractive fixture for our fans too."

Heath's pre-season plans are slowly gelling together now and he also confirmed that Burnley will play Third Division Chester City at the Deva Stadium.

Chester are managed by his former Everton mate Kevin Ratcliffe. A date for that fixture still has to be confirmed. Burnley will also play Oldham Athletic in a private friendly.

Heath still has to establish the dates for the week-long tour to Northern Ireland from July 27 until August 3.

Although the player-chief is still hoping to confirm four dates. He is also still working on bringing a continental side to Turf Moor for the opening of the all-seater stadium on August 10.

But the chances of crack Dutch side PSV Eindhoven visting Turf Moor now appear slim due to their heavy burden of pre-season matches.

Burnley have also organised several reserve team and representative fixtures in July and August, including matches against local non-league sides Rossendale United and Clitheroe.

July 22: Bury Res at Gawthorpe (11.30 am), 24: Rossendale United (a), August 5: Bolton Res (a) at Euxton near Leyland, 8: Clitheroe (a), 12: Lancaster City (a).

Adrian Heath and West Indies cricketer Gus Logie will be the star attractions at a Burnley Cricket Club Sports forum on June 25 (8.00 pm). £5.50 per ticket. Details on 703961.

Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest will face Sunderland at Roker Park on July 24 in a testimonial match for the Wearsiders' defender Richard Ord.

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