CLARETS boss Stan Ternent believes the Worthington Cup should be regionalised throughout the early stages after Burnley's fans were left facing a mid-week trip to London in round two.

The manager is happy enough to be taking on a fellow First Division club but has some sympathy for the supporters who are facing three trips to London in the space of 11 days if they take in Burnley's next three away games.

He said: "It's a reasonably attractive tie and it's two more games against First Division opposition, which will be useful.

"The only thing is that it's a long way to travel for the supporters. Perhaps it should be regionalised in the early rounds, that's my view."

The first leg of the second-round tie is expected to be played at Turf Moor on Tuesday, September 19 with the return at Selhurst Park a week later.

Meanwhile, Ternent confirmed that Graham Branch would be fit for Saturday's trip to Palace after picking up a minor knock in the reserves' 2-1 win over Preston last night, when Greek goalkeeper Nikolaos Michopoulos made an encouraging first appearance.