ADRIAN Heath's (pictured) transfer net is closing in on two main targets.

And as the Turf Moor player-manager prepared for tonight's tough Division Two assignment against Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road he said: "I've got my eye on a couple of players.

"We had quite a few people out over the weekend looking at players. I'm pleased to say I've had a positive response on a couple of them.

"We've spoken to the managers concerned. I just hope I can work something out in time for the weekend.

"I don't want to reveal any names yet. As I've said before I don't want to bring in players who will be just tiding us over until the end of the season."

Meanwhile, Heath's defensive options were cut further today when Jamie Hoyland entered hospital for knee surgery while Peter Swan will be sidelined for at least a fortnight with ankle trouble.

"We are down to the bare bones defensively and losing Peter Swan and Jamie Hoyland is a blow," said Heath.

"Jamie will be out for the foreseeable future and it could be at least a fortnight before we see Peter Swan again.

"But I thought our defence played exceptionally well against Swindon Town. The back four in general, along with the goalkeeper, were much better as a unit.

"Gary Parkinson had his best game since I arrived here and Chris Vinnicombe gave another steady performance. They all defended well against a Swindon team who have scored a lot of goals this season. I am looking for the same again at Crewe tonight."

Heath is searching for a further improvement at Gresty Road against a Crewe team sliding out of the automatic promotion battle.

"If we apply ourselves in the same manner then we will not have a problem. The performances have got better each game and that aspect is a big plus. But we also have a lot of hard work to do."

Burnley from: Beresford, Parkinson, Vinnicombe, Harrison, Winstanley, Thompson, Weller, Joyce, Cooke, Nogan, Eyres, Smith, Adams, Russell (GK).

Crewe boss Dario Gradi currently has two loan players at Gresty Road who could feature against Burnley tonight. Striker Gary Blissett and Brian McAllister are both on loan from Premiership Wimbledon.

Crewe from: Gayle, Collins, Unsworth, Smith, Barr, Whalley, Rivers, Tierney, Blissett, Murphy, McGarvey, Westwood, McAllister, Adebola, Collier, Ridings.

Tonight's Division Two clash at Gresty Road is NOT all-ticket. Burnley fans can pay on the turnstiles. 951 seats are available to Clarets supporters in the Gresty Road End. £9.50 (Adult), £7 (conc).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.