CHRIS Waddle was still hoping to hear this afternoon that Huddersfield Town had paved the way for the swap deal involving their striker Andy Payton and Turf Moor's Paul Barnes to be completed.

But the transfer remained on a knife edge, with Payton's agent Raymond Spark confirming that a change in attitude by the First Division club was essential if it was to go through.

And he feared that Payton would be left "a bitterly-disappointed guy", having now set his heart on joining his hometown club.

Burnley player-manager Waddle is anxious to wrap up the deal in time for Payton to play against Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

"I would like to think I will know what is happening later today," he said.

"But if it doesn't go through, then we might have to start all over again.

"Our side of it isn't a problem but they have to sort out some bits and bobs with Andy.

"Paul Barnes has had his medicals and they are quite happy with them."

Spark and Payton were also waiting to hear from Huddersfield, to see if their stance on a contractual problem had altered in any way.

Payton has been put in an awkward position. Huddersfield's decision to make him available was an indication that his future does not lie there.

But then he was delighted to be offered the chance to sign for Burnley.

Now there is a possibility that could collapse.

"There are conflicting reports coming from Huddersfield," said his agent.

"He was taken aside by his manager at the weekend and the indications were pretty much that his future was not at Huddersfield and it would perhaps be in his best interests to move.

"Andy has now had his mind set on Burnley and he would be a bitterly-disappointed guy if it didn't happen."

With Andy Cooke starting a two-match suspension on Saturday, Waddle will almost certainly have to turn back to Barnes to play against Bristol Rovers if the deal is not completed.

That would hardly be ideal now that he has turned his thoughts towards starting a new career with Huddersfield.

But the manager will not have much choice.

"If it doesn't happen he might not be in the best frame of mind. But he will still be a Burnley player and available to us," said Waddle.

The twice-postponed Auto Windscreens Shield second round tie against Notts County, rescheduled for next Tuesday, has been put back again. Following Tuesday night's second postponement through a waterlogged pitch the Football League originally told Burnley they must stage the tie next week, on January 20.

But, later in the day, they contacted the club to tell them that, because of Notts County's League commitments - they already have a game scheduled that night - the tie has been put back to Tuesday, January 27 (kick-off 7.45pm).

The winners are at home to Carlisle.

Last night's Pontin's League game against Rochdale at Turf Moor was postponed.

Boundary Clarets Travel to Bristol Rovers on Saturday - Depart times: Duke Bar 8.20am, Turf Moor 8.30am, Padiham 8.45am, Accrington 9pm. Prices: £10 members, £12 non-members, £8 concessions. Telephone: 01282 832100 (day), 705425 (evening).

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