HAVING enjoyed the rare luxury of naming an unchanged side for the FA Cup clash at Brentford, Stan Ternent is forced to make at least one for the visit of Reading at the weekend.

"Graham Branch is suspended for one game so we will have to look at that," admitted the Burnley boss as he prepares for the return to league action.

But having had many weeks where he had very few options in terms of team selection, Ternent has at least got a number of solutions in relation to both personnel and formation as he looks to replace the in-form left back.

Mark McGregor has not let him down this season in whatever role he has been asked to fill, including the left back berth, and he would be ready to return to the side having lost out to Drissa Diallo in the last couple of games.

Alternatively the versatile Lee Briscoe could drop back from midfield and return to the position that he has played in for most of his career.

But there is no doubt that Branch will be missed as he has been in the best form of his turbulent Turf Moor career this season. Often singled out by the crowd he is now a firm favourite with the fans and those who travelled down to Griffin Park witnessed his wonderful work in creating the opening goal.

Ternent's selection problems are not made any easier as his opposite number, Reading boss Alan Pardew, may consider a number of changes himself after their dismal 3-1 home defeat by Leicester on Tuesday night.

Much may depend on whether Ternent continues with his three pronged striker force of Gareth Taylor, Robbie Blake and Ian Moore. With Glen Little fit again after his back problem he may revert to the 4-4-2 that has been the feature for most of the season, especially as Reading have packed their midfield by using Nicky Forster as a lone striker.

Meanwhile another side to suffer a dismal defeat was the Clarets FA Cup opponents Fulham. They crashed 4-1 at Maine Road last night, a result that did little to ease the worries that they may yet find themselves embroiled in a relegation dog-fight.