BURNLEY striker Liam Robinson's hopes of an early comeback have been put on hold by groin surgery which is likely to keep him out of action for a further five or six weeks.

Turf Moor boss Adrian Heath revealed that Robinson, one of his long-term injury victims, went into hospital last night for repairs to the groin which has sidelined him for some time.

"That should now have sorted out the problems and, hopefully, he will be fit again in five or six weeks time," said the manager, who has had more than his share of injury worries in the past month or so.

Steve Thompson and Chris Vinnicombe are still sidelined, Paul Weller has joined them on the casualty list and, of course, Burnley were rocked by the injury to loan man Doug Hodgson on his debut for the club.

Heath revealed that he was now back to square one in his search for defensive re-inforcements. "I felt Dougie was the right man," he said. "Others have been available but they are similar to what we already have.

"Now we'll have to start all over again from scratch.

"If we are to bring in someone else it would need to be a player of Dougie's type.

"I had it in my mind that we had sorted things out and Dougie was already talking about making the move permanent.

"Now it could take time."

Hodgson, as we revealed last night, faces two or three months out of action with a shattered cheekbone.

An added complication is that Burnley will be responsible for his wages during the month they had arranged to take the central defender on loan from Sheffield United.

Burnley Supporters' Club are running two coaches to the away game at Preston next Tuesday night.

Coach One departs Rawtenstall 5-30pm, Burnley 5-45pm, Tim Bobbin 5-50pm, and Padhiam Town Hall 5-55pm. Coach Two leaves Colne 5-30pm, Nelson 5-45pm, and Burnley 6pm.

Price for all classes is £3.

Departure times for the game at York on Saturday, November 2, are: Rawtenstall 10-40am, Burnley 11am, Nelson 11-15am, and Colne 11-30am.

Prices: members £6-50, non-members £7-50, concessions £5-50. There are also a limited number of places available for under-12s at £5.

Bookings are now being taken for both trips. Call Dave Spencer (evenings only) on 01282-435176.

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