GORDON COWANS looks certain to join Burnley as the new Clarets reserve team coach.

The ex-Blackburn Rovers and England man will replace the experienced Harry Wilson.

Turf Moor player-boss Chris Waddle confirmed the move today and said: "We've had a chat with Harry Wilson and I can confirm he's leaving Burnley.

"We are seeking a settlement with him. I've already spoken to Gordon Cowans who is currently away with Stockport County in Portugal.

"I would think that when he returns to England he will be moving across to Burnley to take charge of the second team."

The imminent arrival of Cowans at Turf Moor is part of the on-going management re-structuring under Waddle and Glenn Roeder.

Chief scout Clive Middlemass and coaching staff Terry Pashley and Alan Harper are expected to remain.

Meanwhile, Waddle made a surprise Burnley debut in last night's 2-1 victory over Linfield in Belfast.

Waddle featured for 63 minutes of the friendly fixture at Windsor Park which also saw ex-England goalkeeper Chris Woods, Dutch signing Marco Gentile and youngster Gareth West all make their Burnley bows.

Waddle said: "I was disappointed with the first half performance. "We did not compete well enough, but we improved a lot after half time and finished strongly."

In-form Paul Barnes scored both Burnley goals after Linfield had taken a shock first half lead.

Waddle added: "Barney scored two very good goals and that's what he's there for. He's a goal sniffer and you can see why he scores plenty of goals in the Football League. In fact, both his goals were very well-executed strikes."

Waddle added: "It was nice to get my first game for Burnley under my belt. I didn't expect to play last night, but my foot felt a lot easier after a couple of days rest and I wanted to play for an hour which happened."

Meanwhile, Peter Swan's move to First Division Bury is expected to be signed and sealed over the weekend.

Swan's move to Gigg Lane - exclusively revealed by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in June - is expected to be confirmed when Bury chairman Terry Robinson returns from holiday.

Waddle confirmed: "The transfer could be happening soon, but it has not gone through at present. The deal is waiting for the two chairmen to agree the final fee."

Swan, signed by Jimmy Mullen from Plymouth for £200,000 in August 1995, has not travelled out to Northern Ireland with the Burnley party.

Utility man Gerry Harrison has returned home to England with his wife expecting their first child today.

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