BURNLEY are looking to bolster their squad by extending Gary Cahill's loan spell from Aston Villa.

And in a surprise move, former Clarets striker Andy Cooke has been handed a chance of a Turf Moor return four years after his departure.

Boss Steve Cotterill has made moves to add to his numbers after a sensational November that saw his side win four out of five league games to jump to eighth place in the Championship.

Cahill has been instrumental in that rise, helping to form an impenetrable barrier in defence that has registered three successive clean sheets.

However, the 18-year-old, who made his full senior debut for the Clarets against Tottenham Hotspur three weeks ago, sees his initial month expire after this weekend's trip to Plymouth.

And Cotterill has jumped the gun in the hope of persuading Villa boss David O'Leary to allow the England U20 ace to continue his education at Turf Moor.

The Clarets chief said: "We've asked Villa if we can extend Gary's stay by one month, two months, or for the whole season.

"I would take him on a season-long loan because he has come in and done a terrific job for us.

"But that's in Villa's hands now and we will wait to hear back from them and listen to what Gary himself wants."

Meanwhile, a familiar face arrived back at the club yesterday as striker Cooke joined the rest of the team in training.

The former Clarets striker, who scored 61 goals at Burnley between 1995-2000, recently left South Korean side Busan Icons after an 18-month stint.

Cotterill worked with Cooke during his brief spell as Stoke boss, where the striker joined from Burnley in a £300,000 deal before his Far Eastern adventure.

And he revealed the 30-year-old targetman would now train with the Clarets for up to a month as he looks to return to English game.

Cotterill said: "Andy is joining us for up to a month. His contract with Busan has finished but he can't get any clearance to play back here until the transfer window.

"That's still a month down the line, so I said he could come down and train with us and that way he keeps himself ticking over.

"I know Andy well and he is a good boy, so we have taken him with an open mind and no commitment.

"He has a couple of offers, but we are taking a look at him to see where it takes us. There's no pressure on him or us and even if we get him fit to play somewhere else, that's fine."