BURNLEY boss Chris Waddle is running the rule over Manchester United striker Graeme Tomlinson.

Tomlinson has linked up with the Clarets for a fortnight's training and played in the reserves against Rochdale at Turf Moor last night.

The 22-year-old was very highly rated as a youngster with Bradford City, scoring six goals in just 17 League games as a teenager.

Alex Ferguson paid £100,000 up front for him in 1994 but his opportunities have been limited at Old Trafford.

Waddle is aware that the player is up for grabs and so has jumped in to check him out.

Burnley are currently well served up front by Andy Cooke and Andy Payton but have only Kevin Henderson and Waddle himself in reserve so it's an area the player-manager may ultimately be looking to strengthen.

Waddle said: "He will be available on a free transfer I think so it's just a matter of inviting him down for a couple of weeks' training and he will play again next Wednesday.

"He's obviously starved of football at Old Trafford so it's a chance for him.

"Manchester United don't keep a player on for four or five years if he hasn't got ability. "He's had an unfortunate time and had a leg break in his career but he's definitely got ability. He probably lacks a little bit of confidence and that's what we are trying to put into him."

Tomlinson looked very useful last night and would have scored but for some excellent goalkeeping by Rochdale's Lance Key.

The reserve game also marked the comebacks of Waddle and Lee Howey from injury.

Both came through 90 minutes unscathed, although Saturday's trip to Carlisle will come too soon for either to be involved.

"I would say I need another game, probably at Wrexham next Wednesday," said Waddle, who orchestrated things from the centre of midfield and even popped up to score with a header.

"I think Lee could do with another game as well as he has been out for a long time and we'll see after that but you have got to look at injuries and suspension and it's nice to have him back. It's another option."

Howey was also pleased to have put his injury worries behind him, a pelvic problem keeping him out for the best part of two months.

"It's nice to have a game after so long out," said the central defender.

"It's been frustrating but the good thing was that we went on a good run. Things have gone against us a little bit in the past couple of games so I am looking forward to getting back.

"We have still got 12 games left and everybody's got to be pulling together."

Waddle reported no fresh injury worries following Tuesday night's home defeat by Wrexham but is mulling over changes for the trip to Carlisle.

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