OWEN Coyle has indicated he will consider resting Burnley’s Scottish players for the first game of next season providing it does not prove detrimental to the Clarets’ chances.

Promotion-chasing Burnley will be hoping to start the 2009/10 campaign in the Premier League, with the top flight currently scheduled to open their season on August 15.

But should the Clarets fail to reach the top flight, they will start next season’s Championship campaign a week earlier.

That would mean a match just four days before Scotland’s crucial World Cup qualifier in Norway and proud Scot Coyle has vowed to help his country if possible.

Graham Alexander is currently the only Burnley player in the Scotland squad but Steven Caldwell, Steven Thompson and Kevin McDonald will hope to be in contention by August.

Normal FIFA rules mean players must be released five days before a competitive international, although it is unlikely to apply in this case.

But, regardless, Coyle has urged his fellow Championship managers – regardless of their nationality – to consider helping Scotland.

He said: “When that call comes in we will certainly help out in any way we can. We all realise how important the national team is for the country.

“I don’t think it matters that I’m Scottish and other managers are English.

“We all recognise the national team is very important to the country, irrespective of what country it is.

“I'm pretty sure Scotland can win that game, so if we can aid their preparations in any way then we will look to do that.”