BURNLEY could be set to offer former Macedonian captain Artim Sakiri a contract at Turf Moor.

Sakiri, who was recently on trial with Derby County after being released by West Bromwich Albion, was a surprise starter for the Clarets in last night's 3-0 win away to Accrington Stanley.

And Burnley boss Steve Cotterill has revealed the two parties are currently in talks trying to thrash out a deal for the 31-year-old midfielder.

He said: "Obviously Artim is still out there at the moment. From what I can gather he couldn't agree terms with Derby and we are talking to him on that point at the moment, so we'll wait and see where that takes us."

Sakiri famously opened the scoring for Macedonia straight from a corner during their 2-2 draw with England in a World Cup qualifier at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium in October 2002.

The following August, he scored a screamer for new club West Brom in the 4-1 victory over Burnley at the Hawthorns.

However, when Bryan Robson replaced Gary Megson in charge of the Baggies last season, the former Halmstads and CSKA Sofia midfielder found himself on the transfer list before being released in the summer.

Derby stepped in to offer Sakiri a trial earlier this month, but decided against offering him terms after playing in two friendlies.

Meanwhile, Cotterill expressed his delight after his troops earned their first victory of the season at the Interlink Express Stadium last night.

Goals from John McGreal, Graham Branch and new boy Wade Elliott proved too much for Stanley, who could find no way past an impressive Burnley back line that registered another clean sheet to add to the one gained at Cheltenham.

Cotterill added: "I was pleased because we looked brighter, sharper and a little bit more aggressive in our play than last Saturday.

"The only disappointment was that Ade (Akinbiyi) and Gifton (Noel-Williams) didn't get any goals for their toils, but they will do without a doubt.

"I thought they were excellent as a partnership again, holding the ball up, working the channels, winning headers and putting defenders under pressure

"That gives your midfielders a chance and I would imagine they enjoyed linking up with them."

He added: "We're also pleased not to pick up any more injuries.

"We had a couple of little tweaks in training on Tuesday, which meant Micah Hyde and Danny Karbassiyoon had to sit the game out.

"But all in all, we are pretty pleased so far."