BURNLEY take the next step in their build-up tonight when they face Bristol Rovers at The Memorial Ground in the first game of a two-match tour to the South West.

Included in the touring party is young midfielder Steven Hewitt with the second-year scholar in his travelling party for the trip, which also sees the Clarets in action at Torquay on Saturday.

“Young Stevie Hewitt will travel with us from the youth team,” said Burnley boss Eddie Howe.

“I have been impressed with him. I saw him last year several times for the reserves and every time he impressed me.

"He’s got a real enthusiasm for the game. He’s a very good young player and one we have high hopes for.”

Howe’s squad will spend five days in the South West, combining training with the two matches which the manager will use to continue fine-tuning his preparations for the start of the Championship campaign.

He added: “I think we will probably play the players for a longer period down there. They have done well, they have looked fit and it will be a case now of pushing them nearer to 90 minutes.

“It will be good to get some game time under their belts as we hit the run-in to pre-season.

“Bristol Rovers and Torquay are two decent sides who like to play the right way and it's a good location.

“It will be good to get the lads together for a few days. We have two good games.

"I’m looking forward to both of those and it’s just a chance for the lads to spend some time together.”