Clarets boss Stan Ternent was today running the rule over two players from Premiership giants Manchester United and Liverpool.

The two young defenders were due to play for Burnley's Reserves at Huddersfield Town this afternoon.

United's Steven Rose (19) and Liverpool teenager John Boardman have both been told they won't be getting new deals with their clubs this summer.

So Ternent has nipped in to get an early glimpse at the do to see whether they can add to the Clarets' squad for next season.

"We will have a look at them and see where they are up to" confirmed the manager.

Club captain Gordon Armstrong and utility man Ronnie Jepson were also named to face the Terriers in the Pontin's League Premier Division clash.

"I just hope they don't get injured but they need some match practice" Ternent added.

Burnley Res: Mawson, Rose, Armstrong, Heywood, Boardman, Jepson, Scott, Kelly, Shandran, Boden, Devenney. Subs: Williamson, Leeson, Davis, Waine, Paxton.

Burnley will also have their eyes on tonight's top of the table clash at Wigan, where the second placed team meet league leaders Preston North End, with a win for Preston best suiting the Clarets automatic promotion hopes.

Meanwhile, Stoke City goalkeeper Gavin Ward has angrily denied claims he provoked Bristol Rovers supporters before he was attacked by two fans at the end of Saturday's dramatic clash. Bristol Rovers manager Ian Holloway, together with various fans at the Memorial Ground, has accused former Burnley loan star Ward of swearing and gesturing at supporters shortly before the violence which marred Stoke's 3-3 draw.

Holloway claims: ''Our fans seemed to react to offensive gestures and foul language from their goalkeeper, but you still cannot condone what happened."

But Stoke are defending their goalkeeper who, with the help of skipper Nicky Mohan, was forced to fight off the two assailants who invaded the pitch from behind Ward's goal shortly after he was showered with dozens of plastic bottles.

Ward, who insists he was pelted with coins throughout the second half, is declining to comment publicly, but Stoke chief executive Jez Moxey said today: ''I have spoken to Gavin about the whole incident and he rubbishes claims he made any gestures.

"How their manager can hear what he is saying from 60 yards away in a full ground is beyond me.

''This is all something people will say to try and deflect attention from the real problem here. This is the worst type of incident that can happen at a football match." The FA will consider reports from the referee, police and Bristol Rovers before deciding what action to take. However, spokesman Steve Double has already refuted post-match claims from City manager Gudjon Thordarson his side should be awarded all three points.

Thordarson said international rules entitled Stoke to the points and failure to award them would undermine the FA's attempt to win the 2006 World Cup.

"The claims from the Stoke manager are not relevant,'' said Mr Double.

"The FIFA rules to which he refers do not exist. It is over-stating the case to say this will have an influence on the 2006 World Cup."

Two men were arrested and later bailed by police pending further inquiries following Saturday's violence.

Rovers have already said they will be banned for life from the Memorial Ground.

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