BURNLEY youngsters Colin Carr-Lawton and Carl Smith today jetted out to Greece to extend their football education.

And Gareth West is also getting the chance to kick-start his career - in the rather less glamorous surroundings of Rochdale!

Carr-Lawton and Smith have joined Howard Kendall's Ethinikos until the summer and flew out to link up with their new team-mates this morning.

"They are going on loan until the end of the season and see what happens from there," confirmed Burnley boss Stan Ternent.

"They are both single lads and it's a fantastic place for them to go and play some games. It will be good experience and Howard will look after them." Ternent recommended the pair after hearing from Kendall's former chief scout at Everton that Kendall and his assistant Viv Busby were looking to strengthen their side which is struggling near the bottom of the Greek First Division.

"I thought I might be able to help them," added Ternent.

Neither midfielder Smith or striker Carr-Lawton have been in first-team contention at Turf Moor since the early part of the season.

And with Ternent recently strengthening his squad, the pair were unlikely to have a role to play between now and May which makes the move an ideal one for all parties - the players putting themselves in the shop window or gaining League experience which could benefit them further down the line with Burnley.

West's month trial at Spotland gives the 20-year-old central defender the opportunity of another route into the Football League.

With Matty Heywood and promising youngster John Williamson understudying senior players Steve Davis, Brian Reid, Peter Swan, Chris Brass and Rune Vindhiem, West has little prospect of making the Clarets' first team. But West, who has captained the reserves this season, could make the grade in the Third Division and Rochdale are prepared to take a look.

"It's a chance for him because he's down the pecking order," said Ternent.

Ternent wouldn't have considered letting any of the trio go earlier in the season but today's moves reflect the added strength he has brought to the Clarets' squad. And he will have genuine competition for places in a number of areas when Burnley travel to Lincoln City tomorrow.

"It's better than it's ever been I would have said, perhaps not the variety, but I will be selecting from about 18," confirmed Ternent.

The manager would appear to have two decisions to make with Ally Pickering and Graham Branch both fit again.

Branch may return on the left flank but Pickering could have to bide his time, along with Mark Robertson following his return from international duty, in light of Neil Moore's impressive performance at full-back in Burnley's victory at Millwall last Saturday.

Lincoln have won their last three home games to climb off the bottom of the table.

But Burnley will be bidding for their third successive away win to repeat a run they last achieved seven seasons ago.

"We will be trying hard. They are the form team and it would be a good scalp. They are fighting for their lives but so are we," added Ternent, whose first target remains 50 points to guarantee avoiding the drop in what has been a transitional season.

The new-look Clarets should have no trouble surpassing that total and re-vitalised defender Steve Morgan is certainly optimistic going into the game at Sincil Bank. "It's always tough playing against Lincoln. They are a tough side and like to close down quickly and not give you much time on the ball.

"But I am confident of getting the full three points," Morgan said.

Ternent will come up against three of his former charges at Bury - Imps' assistant manager Phil Stant, striker Tony Battersby and defender Stuart Bimson - in a Lincoln squad that may show a couple of changes from the side that won at Hartlepool in the Auto Windscreens Shield in mid-week.

Centre-back Kevin Austin is doubtful with an ankle injury and Lee Thorpe could start on the right flank.

Burnley from: Crichton, Moore, Morgan, Mellon, Davis, Reid, Little, Armstrong, Cooke, Payton, Ford, Branch, Pickering, Swan, Robertson, Maylett.

Lincoln from: Vaughan, Barnett, Bimson, Fleming, Holmes, Austin, Brown, Thorpe, Finnigan, Battersby, Gordon, Miller, Peacock, Philpott, Stones, Stant.

Burnley 'A' are away to Accrington Stanley reserves tomorrow morning, while the under-18s entertain Stockport County.

Rossendale Clarets still have room on their coach for tomorrow's trip to LIncoln. Anyone wishing to go should contact Bev on 01706 224924.

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