Howe aiming for move into the loan market
7:20am Wednesday 29th August 2012 in Sport
By Suzanne Geldard, Burnley FC reporter
BURNLEY manager Eddie Howe is targeting a loan signing before the transfer window closes on Friday night.
Wigan striker Callum McManaman and Swansea City forward Stephen Dobbie have been linked with the Clarets .
Brett Pitman could also be an option for Howe as he looks to bolster his front line before the 11pm deadline.
But it is likely that Bristol City would only be interested in a permanent deal for the former Bournemouth striker, who has slipped down the pecking order under manager Derek McInnes, and Howe confirmed that, at the moment, he is only looking at loans.
“We'll hopefully get some movement before Friday.
“It will be a loan,” said the Burnley boss, who after Saturday's defeat at Huddersfield Town was not expecting to have funds available, but admits the situation has since changed.
“Hopefully we'll be able to do something, it's just a case of getting the one that we want,” he added after seeing his side progress to the third round of the Capital One Cup after a penalty shoot-out at home to Plymouth Argyle.
The Clarets took a first-half lead through Charlie Austin against the Pilgrims, but a last minute penalty, scored by Robbie Williams, forced extra time and then penalties.
Brian Jensen was the hero, saving three in a 3-2 win. Sam Vokes and Steven Hewitt, on his full debut, were on target before Brian Stock scored the decisive spot kick.
Howe, who made 10 changes to his starting XI, said: “We made a lot of changes with Saturday in mind taking into account Brighton haven't got a game (midweek) and trying to make sure we're as strong as possible for Saturday but while still trying to win this game.
“We knew it would be a tough game but I felt it was worth taking the risk.
“I need to rotate the squad and give players minutes but also I need to try to blood the young players and give them the experience as well – the likes of Steven Hewitt and Alex MacDonald.”
He added: “We wanted to get through and we're pleased to be through. We made it a lot harder work than we wanted to. Credit to Plymouth they had a go and they were well organised as we expected them to be and sat very deep, but we're delighted to be in the next round.”
The draw for the third round will take place on Thursday night.
