THE battle to win a place in Eddie Howe’s first team plans begins on Saturday, as Burnley play their first pre-season friendly of the summer.

The slate has been wiped clean following the disappointment of missing out on the play-offs last term. Howe and his men are gearing up for a fresh Championship promotion challenge, starting with a trip to non-league Altrincham this weekend.

And the Burnley boss intends to give each member of his squad a fair crack of the whip in the run-up to naming his starting 11 for the opening game against Watford, at Turf Moor, on August 6.

Howe, who has six games lined up before the big kick-off – including two on their tour of south west England – intends to rotate his squad, certainly in the early friendlies.

And he revealed his intention for Saturday’s trip to face Blue Square North side Altrincham is to give as many players as possible 45 minutes each.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday,” said the Burnley boss.

“training has gone very well and the lads have come back very fit.

“But I’ll look to ease them in very gently.

“It’s a good fixture for us. It’s the first step in pre-season, which will get harder and harder as it goes.”

Howe will pay particular attention to fit-again strikers Martin Paterson and Charlie Austin, whose January arrival was soon marred by a dislocated shoulder which ruled him out for the last two months of last season.

Paterson had two lengthy lay-offs with a thigh injury, but after initially sustaining the injury in pre-season 12 months ago is now looking to make up for lost time.

“Martin has had a frustrating year,” said Howe.

“We all know his ability and are hopeful that he stays fit this year because he has a massive part to play.”

Of Austin, Howe added: “The final piece of the jigsaw for Charlie is making sure he can take the rigours of contact.”

After the trip to Moss Lane the Clarets travel to take on Bury on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45pm) before heading to a training base in Bath next week.

Entry to Saturday’s game at Altrincham (kick-off 3pm) is £7 for adults and £2 for concessions.