BURNLEY boss Adrian Heath is taking a keen interest in Swansea City's out-of-contract central defender Keith Walker.

The 30-year-old Scot, who has figured in more than 300 League games for Stirling Albion, St Mirren and Swansea, has already trained with the Turf Moor squad.

And Heath said today: "He has been recommended to us by one or two managers who have worked with him before.

"He's a big strong lad and, while we are reasonably strong in that position, we decided it was worth taking a look at him.

"I understand he's in something of a stand-off as far as his contract goes with Swansea. So he is doing some training with us and we'll be looking at the situation.

Burnley have also taken a 17-year-old defender from Portadown on trial.

Gareth Fulton, who has already caught the eye of Newcastle United, has joined the club for trials on the advice of ex-Turf Moor striker Billy Hamilton.

"Billy has been doing a bit of work for us in Northern Ireland and he got the lad to come over," said the manager.

Meanwhile Burnley go on another Second Division mission at Turf Moor tonight as manager Heath declared: "Let's make it four wins out of four."

But the Clarets may have to face Shrewsbury Town without skipper Steve Thompson and midfield partner Damian Matthew.

The influential pair - who missed Saturday's 2-1 success over Walsall - face a race to be fit for tonight's clash when the Clarets will look to cement their early leadership.

Thompson is struggling to shake off a calf strain while Matthew is still troubled by a groin injury he picked up in the Coca-Cola Cup clash at Mansfield.

"We will have to make a decision at the last minute but they are both touch and go," said Heath. "We'll certainly not risk them if they are not right."

Heath was in bouyant mood today on the back of Burnley's unbeaten start to the campaign and hopes for another big crowd at Turf Moor following Saturday's 10,000 plus gate.

For tonight's game (kick-off 7-45pm) similar arrangements to Saturday will apply for East Stand season-ticket holders using voucher number two.

Tickets were on sale for the Bob Lord Stand and North Stand until 4-30pm. After that, any remaining will be put on the turnstiles. A limited supply of tickets were also available for the Endsleigh Stand.

Fans, who are asked to arrive early, are reminded that 4-30pm is the cut-off time for concessions.

Heath added: "The victory over Walsall has really set us up for tonight. The players can't wait for the game to start and there is a really positive feeling in the dressing room.

"We know it will be another tough test for us.

"Shrewsbury are a tidy side but it is up to us to impose ourselves on the opposition, like we have done since the start of the season.

"It would be magnificent to make it four league and cup wins in a row. That would really set things up for Saturday when we go down to Millwall."

Shrewsbury from: Gall, L Taylor, Neilson, M Taylor, Spink, Scott, Seabury, Stevens, Anthrobus, Evans, Berkley, Cope, Currie, Rowbotham.

Burnley from: Beresford, Parkinson, Eyres, Harrison, Winstanley, Hoyland, Weller, Brass, Nogan, Cooke, Gleghorn, Robinson, Swan, Matthew, Thompson, Russell (GK).

The newly formed Clarets Independent Supporters Club stage their next meeting at the Park View Public House (opposite Turf Moor) on Thursday at 8.00 pm. Members of the ISA will be handing membership leaflets out before tonight's game.

Rossendale Clarets Travel. Millwall, August 31. Rochdale (6.30 am) and picking up in Rossendale Valley. £17.50 (Adults) and £14.00 (conc). Fare includes lunch.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.