BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent has made an audacious bid to land Blackburn defender Jay McEveley.

We can reveal that Ternent has opened talks with Rovers about signing the versatile teenager on a three-month loan.

And the Clarets are even hoping to complete a swoop in time for McEveley to come into the reckoning for Saturday's visit of Coventry City.

Rovers manager Graeme Souness today confirmed that he would be prepared to allow the 18-year-old to go out on loan.

But the Clarets may face competition from several other clubs for his signature so a move to Turf Moor is not cut and dried just yet.

"I think the boy needs to be playing first team football," said Souness.

"He did well for us last season but he's stalled a bit this year so we are looking to get him out on loan somewhere to get some more first team experience.

"That's what Manchester United do with their kids and it's the sensible thing for us to do in this situation."

Souness was keen to stress that McEveley remains a big part of his future plans for Rovers.

But with Vratislav Gresko currently blocking his path to the first team, the opportunity to get him experience elsewhere is appealing to the Rovers coaching staff.

Ternent is a known admirer of McEveley and has decided to make his move after a similar deal involving Blackburn's Andy Todd proved hugely successful earlier in the season.

Ternent, who remains desperately short of personnel, said: "Jay is coming over and hopefully we can secure the deal. There are a couple of other clubs interested but I'm hopeful of getting something done."

The England Under 21 international can play at either left-back or centre half and made a big impact in Rovers' first team last season, the highlight being an excellent performance against Manchester United in the Worthington Cup semi-finals, when he marked England captain David Beckham.

Meanwhile, Rovers skipper Garry Flitcroft today urged Craig Short to carry on playing at the top level for as long as possible.

Short's current contract with Rovers is set to run out next summer, around the time the veteran defender is due to celebrate his 36th birthday.

But Ewood chief Graeme Souness has already said he plans to open talks with Short about a new deal in the New Year.

And Flitcroft is in no doubt that his friend and room-mate can still do a job in the Premiership for a few more years yet.

"Shorty should definitely carry on for as long as he can," said Flitcroft.

"His general fitness is not a problem and if you've got that and you're still playing well then why not carry on for as long as possible?

"He could definitely do a job at this level for another few years yet.

"He's one of those players that commands instant respect off everyone else in the dressing room.

"He's been here most of the time I've been here and he's probably my best mate.

"That's because I respect him for the type of player he is and the fact he's a genuinely nice guy, too."

Short has underlined his importance to the squad with several towering performances since returning from a knee injury.

That has coincided with Rovers' first two clean sheets of the season, as well as the side's first back-to-back wins of the campaign.

And Flitcroft is in no doubt as to Short's contribution to that revival.

"If you look back at the start of the season defensive mistakes were costing us dearly," said Short.

"But when you get someone like Shorty back you know exactly what you are going to get from him."

"He's solid, he's reliable and you know he's going to give it everything in every single challenge he goes in for.

"On top of that, he's a great organiser as well so it's a massive thing to have him back in the team again."

Short has already hinted that he would be keen to stay at Rovers beyond the end of the season.

But, understandably, the 35-year-old is adopting a cautious approach about the future, in the knowledge that the current campaign is less than halfway through.

In the meantime, Flitcroft is hoping to be fit for Sunday's trip to Highbury after he missed the last couple of matches due to a slight tear in his abductor muscle on the eve of Rovers' recent game at Manchester United.