STAN Ternent is confident that, whatever the eventual outcome, Burnley will pick up a major bonus from this season's events at Turf Moor - in the shape of the fast-growing crop of young players who have been introduced to the senior side.

Defender John Williamson was the latest starlet to get a leg-up into the big-time when he went on as a substitute against Macclesfield on Sunday as Burnley ended their barren home run with a vital win.

And he joins the likes of Matty Heywood, Chris Scott, Carl Smith and Brad Maylett who are promising a bright future for the club.

"It will be a bonus because they are good young players who are having a taste of it and now know what the standards are," said Ternent.

"It's just a case of giving them their heads.

"They are the future of the club."

Williamson's promise has been confirmed by a three-year contract which he has accepted and will start in summer when his YTS term ends.

Ternent would have preferred to have been able to introduce the kids at a more successful time for the club but his hand has been forced to a large degree and they have been pressed into service in the middle of a relegation battle. Nevertheless, the manager added: "Out of all the bad comes a little bit of good.

"It's what you want because, all of a sudden, you have some players on your hands.

"I think a lot of managers discard kids too early nowadays.

"They've only had a taste but I have high hopes for them."

As well as the potential star players, the club are also looking to the fans of the future.

Burnley's 'Kids for a Quid' scheme will be on offer once again at the Easter Monday home game against Colchester (kick-off 3pm).

A seat in the lower section of the James Hargreaves Stand will cost under-16s just £1 but tickets must be purchased before the day of the game.

The scheme, to commemorate the 100th Football League season, proved a big success against Macclesfield last Sunday.

Meanwhile, former Turf Moor player Danny Sonner is itching to start his first full international for Northern Ireland tonight after two appearances as a substitute.

Sonner, who made a handful of appearances for Burnley before going abroad, now plays for Sheffield Wednesday in the Premiership.

And the midfielder is hoping to get the starting vote from Lawrie McMenemy in Moldova tonight.

"It would be nice to get a game from the start," he said.

"It's difficult coming on as a sub as anyone knows, especially getting used to the pace of the game."

Scoring goals is a major problem for the Irish and Sonner accepts that it is up to the midfield to contribute their share of strikes especially in a must-win game like this one. The 27-year-old midfielder has bagged two this season for Wednesday, although he feels he can improve on that strike rate.

"I think I can score a lot more goals and so far I've got two in 18 or 20 starts for Wednesday," he said.

"To be honest I should have scored more, but Wim Jonk likes to get forward a lot and as we play 4-4-2 the manager then likes me to sit back a bit deeper.

"Obviously it's a case of whatever he wants I will do, but I feel I've got a few more goals in me.

"I've scored one at Blackburn with my left foot and although I'm right-footed, I like to think I can hit them with either foot."

Burnley Supporters' Club prices for the trip to Notts County on Saturday are £8 members, £9 non-members, £7 concessions.

Colne Clarets travel details: Notts County, April 3, leave Colne 9.30am picking up through to Burnley, £7.50 adults, £5.50 juveniles. Oldham, April 10, leave Morris Dancers 12.30pm, £4 all classes.

Blackpool, April 13, leave Morris Dancers 5pm, £5 all classes.

Accrington Clarets are running a coach to Notts County and there are seats still available. For details ring Phil on 01254 387230.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.