Clarets Boss Stan Ternent has backed goalkeeper Nik Michopoulos's bid to regain the Greek international shirt.

Ternent hailed the 31-year-old's exploits as he made two important saves to help keep Burnley top of the first division table with a 3-0 win over struggling Rotherham United at Turf Moor on Saturday.

The Clarets keeper, who is looking to add to his 13 caps, is third in the current pecking order but Ternent believes that the Greek FA should be looking long and hard at his keeper before their final World Cup qualifier against England at Old Trafford on October 6.

"Nik is an international keeper and saves like that are what we pay him for," said Ternent.

"But they were two great saves, the first one from Mark Robins was absolutely marvellous.

"I would have thought that his current form is good enough to earn him a call up to the Greek squad.

"He is a top class keeper and, hopefully, with a new coach in place, he might have a chance -- his performances this season are deserving of it.

"And I'd love to see him play against England at Old Trafford. It would be great for Nik and for everybody at Burnley Football Club if that were to happen."

While Michopoulos may face a wait in vain for that particular call, he more than played his part in a hard earned win that kept the Clarets top of the pile.

After a frustrating first half, the Clarets broke loose with goals from Ian Moore and Paul Weller inside three minutes of the second period and an 89th minute penalty from substitute Andy Payton wrapped up matters.

But Ternent felt that his side would have to get used to being patient.

"It is never going to be easy in such a tough division, particularly when you are at the top and the expectation level is high," said Ternent. "It is nice to be top of the league, though it is our just reward for the way we have stuck at our job, and everything in the garden is rosy.

"But we know that everything we get has to be worked for and we will have to work hard again next weekend when we have another tough match at home to Walsall."

Winger Glen Little took a knock on the ankle against the Millers, but should be fit to face Walsall next weekend.

Defender Gordon Armstrong will miss that game due to suspension following his sending off in the 4-2 home defeat by Manchester City, but Ian Briscoe should return after sitting out the clash with the Millers due to a groin strain.

The Clarets also wait on Ian Cox, still struggling with an Achilles tendon problem, but Mitchell Thomas returned to the squad on Saturday as a non-playing substitute against the Millers.

"Ian Briscoe had a little bit of a strain and I deceided it was best to rest hime," explained Ternent.

"As Gordon is out next week and Ian Cox is still struggling with tendonitis, it seemed best not to risk 'Brisser' in the circumstances."

Striker Gareth Taylor made his return to action following his spell with Wales, but only as a second half as a substitute.

"After the way we played at Bradford last week I felt that team deserved to be given another go," said Ternent.

"But it is great to be able to bring a player like Gareth off the bench."

THE Clarets youth team are out of the Football League Youth Alliance Cup after veing beaten 2-1 at home by Tranmere Rovers in the opening round. Paul Barratt was the Burnley scorer.