BURNLEY'S board have handed Adrian Heath some early Christmas cheer with the message 'Carry on spending'.

But the Clarets boss will only dip into the Turf Moor vault if the right player becomes available.

An extensive scouting network is continually highlighting potential targets.

And while Heath believes there is already healthy competition within the squad, he is keen to strengthen his options in a couple of key positions.

He said: "When I've asked for money the directors provided it.

"I'm continuing to look for players to strengthen the squad.

"It might now be the right time to boost the squad still further. There are a lot of games coming up over the Christmas period.

"But the fact I've got money to spend doesn't just mean I will spend money for the sake of it.

"If I think it's right for Burnley Football Club then I will do it. "We are looking at the Premier League and looking at the GM Vauxhall Conference.

"We bought potential in with Glen Little and, while we think we have got a good player, we are not even yet sure of his best position.

"But you cannot go and compete with everybody."

Heath will be hoping Saturday's trip to Walsall in the second round of the FA Cup will provide an opportunity to swell the Turf Moor coffers still further with a money-spinning cup run.

Paul Barnes' chances of a return to action are still rated at 50-50.

Heath, who also suffered an Achilles tendon injury last season, is keen not to rush Barnes' return and risk a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Damian Matthew is also still struggling with a hamstring injury.

A Burnley side beat Rochdale 4-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly yesterday. Jesus Seba scored twice with new Irish signing Little and Peter Baah completing the scoring.

Baah's spell training with Burnley is likely to come to end in the near future, the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder expected to return to the USA.

Long-term injury victim Liam Robinson came through the game without problems and Mark Winstanley is expected to resume training tomorrow.

PRESTON boss Gary Peters pipped Adrian Heath to the Second Division manager of the month award after Preston climbed from third from bottom at the start of the month to within nine points of the play-offs by the end.

North End won three and drew one of their five league games.

CHRIS Casper, son of former Clarets boss Frank, made his European bow with Manchester United last night, coming on as a late substitute during the 2-0 over Rapid Vienna.

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