FEARS that Burnley transfer target Gavin Ward is facing surgery on a groin injury were allayed today.

Any move for the Bolton keeper looked to be under threat when it was suggested he may be facing a hernia operation.

But Bolton manager Colin Todd confirmed today that while Ward has a groin problem he does not require surgery.

Burnley boss Stan Ternent may therefore be ready to step up his attempts to recruit the 28-year-old -- provided he won't be on the treatment table for too long.

The Clarets' injury jinx struck again when Ward picked up the strain in his final game of a successful three-month loan spell at Turf Moor against Stoke City on Tuesday night.

But all parties at least have some breathing space before deciding whether to move ahead with any deal as Ward is unable to play for Burnley against Darlington in the FA Cup next Tuesday night.

For players to appear in the competition they must be registered as permanent signings seven days before the date of the original tie.

And Norwegian goalkeeper Frank Petter Kval has already been pencilled in for his Burnley debut in the first round clash at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium.

"I have already told him he will play and he is looking forward to it. It's good for him," confirmed Ternent, who has also used Paul Crichton and Tony Parks in the first-team this season. Kval joined Burnley in September and signed a contract until the end of the current campaign after impressing during a trial spell.

The 24-year-old has also shaped up well in the reserves where he has established a reputation as an excellent, if sometimes unorthodox shot-stopper.

With youngster Craig Mawson the only other keeper on Burnley's books, Kval will get his big break in English football on the Cup stage.

But Ternent is likely to want to bring in a more experienced campaigner for the resumption of Burnley's Second Division campaign at Bournemouth a week tomorrow with an injury-free Ward looking to fit the bill -- provided the price is right.

Bolton, who have reported a loss of £4.7 million for the last financial year, want to recoup some of the £280,000 they paid Bradford two years ago for Ward's services.

But the player, who is behind Jussi Jaaskelainen and Keith Branagan -- ironically sidelined following a hernia operation -- in the pecking order at Wanderers, will be a free agent in the summer which will affect his value.

Meanwhile Paul Weller looks set to miss the rest of the season as he faces a major operation to cure a serious bowel condition.

The midfielder faces a long period of recuperation after the surgery but is looking forward to resuming his Clarets' career next season.

Burnley's 'A' team are away to Marine in the Lancashire League tomorrow, while the under-18s entertain Wrexham.

Burnley Supporters Club's revised departure times for Tuesday night's FA Cup tie against Darlington at Middlesbrough are: Rawtenstall 3.45pm, Tim Bobbin 4.00, Burnley 4.15, Nelson 4.30, Colne 4.45.

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