STAN Ternent is contemplating unleashing his Burnley babes on unsuspecting Wigan.

The Clarets chief reckons the addition of Charlton goalkeeper Paul Rachubka, 22, and 21-year-old midfielders Bradley Orr and Neil Wood, from Newcastle and Manchester United respectively, has seriously strengthened his hand for the testing clash with the Latics.

And Ternent admits he may look to shuffle his pack in a bid to land Burnley's first league victory in 2004.

Asked if his trio of loan stars would start, Ternent said: "I have an idea, but I've slept on it and I'll sleep on it again and see where we are up to."

Ternent explained the reasons for the triple swoop, which give the Clarets boss more options than at any other time this season.

He added: "There is competition for places now and the squad is stronger. I've been looking for another goalkeeper because I only had Brian (Jensen), so we have taken Paul, who's a very good, young player.

"Neil is a left-footed, left-sided midfielder who will give us good balance, which I haven't been able to replace since Paul Cook left.

"And Bradley is another young lad, a powerful midfielder who can also play at the back, so there's extra competition there.

"I would still like another striker in the vein of Gareth Taylor to give us another option, and perhaps another centre back.

"Once we have all that - although we can't afford all of it - then I think we'll be reasonably competitive."

Cash-strapped Ternent has struck financial deals with all three Premiership clubs to land his top targets - with Newcastle incredibly paying ALL of Orr's wages during his Turf Moor spell.

The Clarets chief revealed: "They are young players and they haven't cost a great deal of money.

"Newcastle have been fantastic over the deal and are paying all of Brad's wages, while Charlton are paying half of Paul's.

"Sir Alex (Ferguson) has also been really good by helping me out with Neil, so it's not costing us a fortune."

The Clarets head for Wigan unbeaten this year, despite not having picked up a league win since beating Sheffield United at Turf Moor in early December.

However, Wigan's own form has been put to the test recently, notably at home, where they have won just one of their last six games.

And Ternent expects his troops to soon transfer their excellent FA Cup form back to the bread and butter First Division.

He added: "We're unbeaten so far this year, but two of the wins have been in the cup and we need them to be in the league now.

"Wigan are probably the Chelsea of our division but we are capable of beating anybody.

"We are as good as they are and we've got as much quality as they have - we just ain't got as much money!"

Despite the cold snap, the JJB Stadium has undersoil heating and Wigan remain "95 per cent confident" that tomorrow's game will go ahead.

Burnley fans are reminded they can pay on the turnstiles on the day. Admission prices are £16 (adults) and £11 (concessions).