STAN Ternent is hopeful that he will be able to re-sign goalkeeper Paul Crichton, who was recalled to West Bromwich Albion after just one game for the Clarets.

The Burnley boss signed Crichton on loan just in time for him to make his bow in Saturday's win over Bristol Rovers.

But, with West Brom's number one Alan Miller being hit by a complication following a summer hernia operation, Crichton was recalled and played for the Baggies in their Worthington Cup win over Brentford.

"It's one game for one loan and that's gone but I have spoken to Denis Smith and if the other lad recovers I hope to get him back," said Ternent who was optimistic the situation might well be sorted out later today.

Miller has been told to rest by a specialist but is hopeful of returning against Sheffield United on Saturday.

It remains to be seen if Crichton will be retained as back-up and, in the meantime, Ternent is checking out alternatives just in case he is not available again.

Tony Parks seized his chance as he made a long-awaited debut at Bury on Tuesday night but it's unclear at this stage who will wear the number one shirt for Burnley at Chesterfield on Saturday.

"I will see how it goes," added the Clarets' boss. "Tony did well on Tuesday night but Craig Mawson isn't really ready and I need a bit of cover for Tony Parks or A N Other. I need another senior goalkeeper."

Ternent is also on the hunt for some outfield reinforcements with central midfield likely to be his top priority after Mark Ford fractured an ankle in the season's opener. "We have not got enough strength in the squad. I am always trying to do something - it's just the availability of the players. The enquiries are in there," he stressed.

However it appears it's not always easy to win the release of the right players at the right price while teams have a busy schedule and in some cases are still looking for a winning formula.

"At this stage you are playing Saturday and Tuesday and so it goes on and everybody wants to get off to a decent start," added Ternent.

Given the problems Ternent has faced a win and a draw in their two games to date represents an excellent start for Burnley.

And another bright spot has been the emergence of teenage midfielder Carl Smith who played his first full 90 minutes at Bury and may not be the one under threat if Ternent can make a break-through in the transfer market. "Every cloud has a silver lining," said Ternent. "He will only get better playing in these games and he has shown he is not frightened to play."

Meanwhile, Paul Weller's future is back in the balance after West Ham decided not to make a bid for the Burnley midfielder.

Weller spent last week training with the Hammers and played in two friendlies.

But the Premiership outfit has informed Burnley boss Stan Ternent that they will not be looking to follow up their interest.

That leaves the out-of-contract Weller in limbo as he is not being considered for first-team duty at Turf Moor after turning down a new three-year deal.

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