THIS wasn't supposed to happen. One point from 12, a goal drought and two of the teams most influential players sidelined through injury.

Of all the Clarets current problems, the lack of width is perhaps the most pressing. It is beyond coincidence that the current slump has come at the same time that Alan Moore and Glen Little have been sidelined. To put it into context, imagine Manchester United lining up without Giggs and Beckham and having no adequate replacements. That's how important Burnley's two absentees are.

So, what to do? Well, on the right the Clarets could do worse than give a runout to their other right winger -- Brad Maylett. Whilst at this stage of his career young Brad is some way from filling the aching void created by Little's prolonged absence, he would at least give the team a little more shape than it has had in recent weeks.

One player who might appreciate the inclusion of Maylett in the starting eleven is Dean West. Quite clearly, Fred misses Blakey down the right. Time and again at Notts Forest, West would carry the ball to halfway, suddenly remember Glen wasn't playing and was forced to turn inside or backwards. Maylett would provide West with an out ball, enabling the right back to overlap.

On the left, the issue is more problematic. Far too frequently at the City ground, Ian Moore had to peel off from the left striking channel to pursue goals directed into the corner from either Lee Briscoe or Paul Cook. Not that this situation was helped by the enforced withdrawal of Arthur Gnohere early on.

If Arthur (who is already a cult hero on the terraces) can recover for the Barnsley game, it may be worth deploying him as a left winger. Gnohere's adventurous streak allied to his natural pace and power make him a potential candidate for the problematic position.

On the plus side, at least Arthur's injury allowed Burnley's sizeable and noisy travelling support their first glimpse of new signing Tony Grant. The £250,000 capture from Manchester City certainly impressed. It is impossible to judge a player on one substitute appearance, but Grant seems to have a lot of the attributes of Paul Cooke. He's the kind of player able to make a bit of time for himself and deliver a telling pass. In short, the type of player every squad benefits from having.

I am sure all Clarets will want to extend a warm welcome to the player and wish him all the best in his time at Turf Moor.