SCOTTISH Premier League strugglers Raith Rovers have checked out Steve Thompson.

And as Raith show interest in the transfer-listed midfielder, Stark's Park defender Paul Browne has linked up with the Clarets on a short trial.

Manager Ian Munroe confirmed: "We have watched Steve Thompson several times and I spoke to the lad. He is a player I rate."

Munroe, the former Dunfermline boss, tried to sign Thompson when he was with Bolton Wanderers but the midfielder elected to stay in England and joined Luton Town.

Clarets manager Adrian Heath confirmed: "We've not had an official approach from Raith. I suspect the interest from their manager goes back to when he tried to sign Steve Thompson several years ago."

Heath added: "We are giving Paul Browne a short trial. It appears he has had a fall-out with Raith. At the moment, though, I don't think anything will be happening." Raith, beaten 5-1 at home by Motherwell in midweek, appear doomed to relegation and another stint in the First Division.

Ironically, Thompson could be on the verge of an extended run in the Burnley first team with skipper Nigel Gleghorn ruled out for at least a month after injuring his medial ligament at Bournemouth.

Results of a scan revealed no serious knee damage - and that means Gleghorn could be back in the first team picture by the end of March.

It was feared that Gleghorn, an ever-present this season, could be ruled out for the rest of the campaign. Manager Heath added: "We're delighted the injury is not too serious because Nigel plays a major role in our plans."

Thompson said: "I'm not taking anything for granted but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I might get a chance now.

"Nigel has played in my position all season and now there is an opening there. But I'm not taking anything for granted.

"I've not figured in the manager's plans since September and circumstances suggest that I am not part of his future plans.

"But, whatever the future holds, I'm desperate to play first team football for Burnley again and it was fantastic to come on against Bournemouth in the second half. "If I'm not picked against Bristol Rovers then I'll have to accept that my Burnley career is over. I don't want to leave the club but unless I can get a first team chance then I'll have to look elsewhere.

"I want to get back into the team to stay and I'm still convinced that I can do a great job for Burnley. I'm fit, keen and raring to go and I'd love to be in the starting line-up."

Gerry Harrison is out of Saturday's crucial home game against Bristol Rovers at Turf Moor. Harrison is likely to be sidelined for a further week with ankle trouble and will miss the midweek clash at Blackpool.

Vince Overson came out of hospital last night following Achilles tendon surgery on Monday. Overson is already ruled out until next season.

The Colne Clarets will be featured on Sky Television's Nationwide League round-up tonight (8 pm, Sky 3). Sky travelled to Bournemouth with the supporters' club at the weekend, filming their journey and arrival at Dean Court.

Spokesman Tony Bannister said: "It was a really enjoyable day and it is cracking publicity for Burnley."

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