FORMER Burnley favourite Gerry Harrison has been handed a career lifeline by Stan Ternent and given the chance to re-establish himself at Turf Moor.

Harrison left the Clarets to join Sunderland under the Bosman ruling in July, 1998 just after Ternent had taken charge.

The defender thought it was too good an opportunity to turn down with the Wearsiders looking a good bet for Premiership football in a magnificent new stadium - a prophecy that has since been borne out.

However, the move quickly turned sour for Harrison, who was taken ill and couldn't get near the first-team picture as Sunderland roared to the First Division title.

He had successful loan spells with Luton Town and Hull City last season but apart from a trial spell back at Luton he has been out in the wilderness again this term, which has prompted a return to Burnley on a trial basis.

Burnley boss Ternent explained: "He's still a Sunderland player. He had a bit of a virus which set him back and it hasn't really worked out for him.

"I have got him training with us to have a look at him, which I do with a lot of players.

"If he does well we'll see where it goes."

Under League rules, Burnley would be able to play the 27-year-old defender in two reserve games without signing him on loan.

And that is an option Ternent may look to take before deciding whether Harrison could add something to his current squad.

"We've got to get him fit first and and we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

"I will have to speak with Reidy but I'm hopeful of doing that," Ternent added.

Meanwhile, Burnley have unveiled the latest crop of youngsters they are taking on as scholars as the club continues to nurture its homegrown talent.

Five players who have progressed through the Clarets' centre of excellence will start full-time training with the club in July, with another four possibly being added in the next few weeks.

They will then serve a two or three-year 'apprenticeship' linked to continuing with their studies before learning whether or not they will be taken on as professionals.

Those selected so far have all been regular members of the Clarets' youth team squad this season and youth coaches Terry Pashley and Jimmy Robson are looking forward to working with them on a full-time basis.

"Their attitude is first-class and we know that we will have a good bunch to work with.

"They work hard and they want to learn. We will give them the time and hopefully make something out of them," said Pashley.

The five who will step up from the under-16 squad at the centre of excellence are Joel Pilkington, a defender from the Accrington area, John Leary, a defender from Keighley, Liam Eaves, a defender from Blackpool, Matthew O'Neill, a striker from Clayton-le-Moors, and defender Brian Fogarty, from Blackburn, the nephew of world superbike champion Carl Fogarty.

Strikers Damian Hindle, from the Accrington area, and Paul Barrett, from Burnley, are also hoping to be awarded places.

Andrew Leeson, a young full-back from the North-East, may also be joining the club soon after previously training with Ipswich Town.

And the Clarets are also looking at Welsh schoolboy international goalkeeper Peter Clitheroe, who has been released by Everton.

The Clarets' youth team lost 3-0 to Bury yesterday, their second defeat to the Youth Alliance North-West Conference leaders in the space of four days.

Rossendale Clarets have two places on their coach to Bournemouth leaving Friday. Contact Bev on 01706 224924.

CLARETS STARLETS: Burnley's new trainees, back row from left to right: Paul Barrett, Terry Pashley (Burnley's youth coach), Jimmy Robson (Burnley's Centre of Excellence director) and Damian Hindle, front, from left: Joel Pilkington, John Leary, Brian Fogarty and Liam Eaves

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