BURNLEY new boy Dele Adebola looks like winning his fitness battle ahead of Saturday's Turf Moor clash with league leaders Norwich.

The Nigerian striker yesterday trained for the first time this week after picking up a stomach strain during his brief debut at Bradford.

And Adebola is confident of handing manager Stan Ternent a fitness boost for the Clarets first home game in almost a month.

He said: "After about two minutes of coming on at Bradford, I overstretched trying to get to a ball and I strained the stomach muscle.

"But hopefully it should be okay for Saturday, because it's a tough game."

Boss Ternent is treading carefully before including Adebola in his squad to face the high-flying Canaries.

But he remains convinced the 28-year-old hitman could be a big influence during the remaining relegation fight.

He said: "Dele just lost his way a little bit in terms of confidence at Coventry, but he's a good player and he showed that at Bradford.

"He could be a big, big player for us in the weeks to come.

"He picked up a bit of a strain at Bradford and we need to be a bit careful with him. But he trained yesterday and anyhow I know we are good enough with the squad I have.

"There will still be a few little setbacks along the way and you just need a little luck. For once we got some at Bradford.

"Everyone else is okay and we've had a clear week to prepare for the Norwich game, which is all we are focusing on."

Adebola has already admitted he would be interested in a permanent move to Turf Moor should his initial spell prove a success.

The on-loan Coventry striker offers an aerial threat noticeable by its absence since Gareth Taylor was sold to Nottingham Forest last summer.

And he is convinced Burnley have the ability and the desire to pull themselves away from danger, starting with a positive result against City.

He added: "It hasn't totally worked out for me at Coventry, although I still have a year left there.

"I think a few of the fans could see my potential, but the manager wanted to give other players a chance and I totally accept that.

"Who knows what will happen at the end of the season, but for now I need to be playing and the boys here have made me feel very welcome.

"You could see how much playing for this club meant to everyone at Bradford last week when the winner went in, and I'm sure that will help in the coming weeks."

Burnley fans are reminded that season tickets for the 2004/05 campaign went on sale this morning at the start of a month-long discount period.