BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent has decided not to pursue his interest in former Nottingham Forest and Oxford winger Chris Allen.

The former England Under 21 international arrived at Turf Moor on trial last week in a bid to secure a permanent move with the Clarets.

But, after taking a close look at the pacy 26-year-old, Ternent has opted not to take things further.

"We've decided we are not going to progress with that one," said Ternent.

"I don't think he is any better than anything we've already got at the club so there's no point in signing him."

Allen cost Forest £300,000 when he joined them from Oxford in 1996 but he turned out for Port Vale at the back end of last season where he failed to win a contract.

Meanwhile, Burnley took another important step on the road to promotion at the weekend with an impressive 2-0 victory over Bristol City.

And Ternent was delighted with the performance which featured two stunning strikes by Paul Cook and Andy Cooke.

"I'm extremely happy at how we've managed to win against a very good side," said the Clarets chief.

"I thought our two centre backs were outstanding against difficult opposition.

"They caused us a lot of problems in the first half and got a lot of balls into the box and we were a bit fortunate. Peter Beadle had a great chance which he headed just wide of the post and, if that had gone in, then obviously it would have been a bit more difficult. "Having said that, Andy Payton hit the bar at the other end.

"But I think we just shaded it overall."

Ternent was particularly happy with the contribution made by Andy Cooke, who scored his third goal in as many games following his return from hamstring trouble.

"Andy scored a fantastic goal to clinch the game for us," said Ternent.

"He was on fire before he got injured at Oldham.

"But he's been training extremely hard and he's carried on from where he left off.

"He's a handful and he will score his goals, as will Payton.

"He's played the last three games now and matches get you match fit so he's not doing so badly."

Veteran midfielder Paul Cook also capped a superb personal performance with a wonder goal after just six minutes which set the ball rolling.

And the former Stockport man confirmed that is something the coaching staff have been encouraging him to do more often.

"I've had a few shots like that and they've flown miles over but I do get encouraged by the manager and Sam Ellis to shoot more and I was delighted it went in, not just from a personal point of view, but a team view as well," said Cook. "But I'm just delighted we've bounced back after a couple of poor results at home."

Another boost for Ternent was the probable return of defender Tom Cowan to training today.

He's been sidelined by a hamstring injury recently but he could be ready to make a welcome comeback in Wednesday night's reserve team game against Tranmere at Turf Moor.

"I've spoken to the physio and everything appears to be okay," said Ternent.

"I hope he will resume training today and if there's no reaction he could be involved on Wednesday."

Colne Clarets are putting on a special screening of the 1962 FA Cup Final in the Centre Spot at Burnley Football Club tomorrow night.

The event, which is being staged to raise money for the Gawthorpe redevelopment fund, kicks off at 7.30pm and admission is £2 adults, £1 children.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.