MITCHELL Thomas's excellent start to his Burnley career has earned him a top-10 rating in Match magazine's August player-of-the-month awards.

The experienced defender was the Clarets top-ranked player in their first five games, according to Match's observer.

He was twice given star billing and collected an average rating of 7.60 to place him 10th in the list.

The monthly award was shared between players at either end of the division.

Bristol Rovers defender Andy Thomson has helped the Pirates to the top of the table, while Oldham keeper Gary Kelly has starred despite failing to help his team earn a point.

FORMER Burnley goalkeeper Marlon Beresford may get the chance to return to the Premiership stage - thanks to an international comeback for his rival for the number one shirt at Middlesbrough.

Beresford is currently playing second fiddle to Mark Schwarzer at the Riverside Stadium but the door could open to a first-team return with Schwarzer in line to play for Australia against Brazil in November.

Schwarzer said: "Frank Farina, the Australian coach, is coming to Middlesbrough for talks next week.

"I was pleased to get a call from him, and in all honesty I would love to be involved again."

INJURED defender Peter Swan is still some way from a return to action on the football field.

But his golf game is obviously in good shape as he was the Clarets member of the winning team at Burnley's golf day on Tuesday.

THE CLARETS Reserves are back in Pontins League Premier Division action on Monday night when they travel to Wolves (kick-off 7pm).

DESPITE their 2-1 win over Bournemouth last Friday night, no Burnley players were named in the Opta Division Two team of the week.

However, Bournemouth's Scott Mean was picked on the right-hand side of midfield - the same position occupied by Glen Little!

TICKETS for Burnley's game at Bristol City a fortnight today go on sale to season-ticket holders on Monday with voucher B required.

Any remaining tickets will go on sale on Monday, September 20, priced £13 adults, £10 senior citizens, £8 under-16s and wheelchair supporters free with helpers £13.

COLNE Clarets are taking bookings for the game at Bristol City on Saturday, September 25.

Overnight stay at Bristol costs £50 for bed, breakfast, evening meal and a half-bottle of wine at the Stourport Manor Hotel. Contact Alan Beecroft on 01282 864147.

THE GAME between the Vintage Clarets and Burnley community team for players with learning difficulties will now kick-off at 2pm at the Michelin sports and leisure club, Widow Hill Road, Burnley tomorrow.

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