STEVE Morgan could be the man to solve Burnley's left-back conundrum.

Morgan played his first game in a claret and blue shirt as Burnley beat Dawlish Town 4-0 in the first leg of their Devon double-header on Saturday.

He has been given the pre-season programme to prove to Stan Ternent that he is worth a permanent deal at Turf Moor.

And first impressions suggest that he could provide the answer to a question that has gone unanswered since David Eyres left to join Preston.

The departed Chris Vinnicombe was not a regular last season and Chris Waddle ended up entrusting the left-back's job to central defender Mark Winstanley.

The vacancy therefore exists and Morgan is anxious to fill it.

"Stan Ternent said do pre-season and if you do well I will offer you a contract so I am just working my heart out to try and get myself a contract," confirmed the 29-year-old who got the call to arms from Burnley's assistant boss Sam Ellis - previously his manager at Blackpool.

Morgan is no stranger to Ternent either, having played under him briefly at Bury in Division One last season.

He added: "I went there on loan from Wigan for two months but it didn't work out because I got injured in the second month so I went back to Wigan.

"I had my contract paid up at Wigan where things never really worked out so I am just looking for a fresh start.

"Burnley would be a great place because it is a big club with great potential. I believe the fans are really good and if the club is doing well it can really pull them in so it would be great to have a contract here."

Morgan admitted to being pleasantly surprised by the 500 or so Burnley fans who saw his 'debut' at Dawlish, a figure boosted by the presence of the South-West Clarets which now boasts over 100 members. They are likely to be out in force again at Elmore FC tomorrow night when Morgan, given the full 90 minutes at Sandy Lane on Saturday, is likely to have a further extended run-out.

"Stan wants to watch me in some games. I think he really wants to know if I am actually fit enough. I think I have shown that in pre-season. I think I have done really well and I have surprised myself to be fair.

"I will just get through these games and hopefully after these two games I will have won myself a contract," added Oldham-born Morgan who played 68 games in the top-flight with Coventry City after moving from Blackpool via Plymouth Argyle.

Morgan can also operate in central midfield but it's as an experienced left-back that he will appeal to Ternent, who was happy with his performance against the non-leaguers on Saturday, and will make a decision on the player's future sometime during the pre-season programme.

Settling in shouldn't be a problem for Morgan and if he didn't before he will certainly feel part of the squad after five days down here.

"The lads are brilliant," he added. "All the lads are together which is what Stan likes. I noticed that at Bury and I think that helps on the pitch."

A young Burnley side beat Fulwood 4-1 with goals from David Collins, Brad Maylett, Carl Smith and Ben Woods.

Rossendale Clarets are running a coach to Halifax on Saturday. Anyone interested should ring 01706 224924.

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