A POSSIBLE big-money move for Burnley winger Paul Smith to Aston Villa looks a non-starter, despite continuing speculation linking him with the Premiership giants.

Villa boss Brian Little is looking for new blood but is believed to be searching at the top end of the market, rather than for potential lower down the divisions.

And sources close to Villa today confirmed that, while Little was aware of Smith's ability, there were no plans to make a move for him.

The young winger, who has also been linked with West Ham, will be in the Burnley squad for tomorrow night's TV test against big-spending Fulham at Craven Cottage.

And Burnley player-manager Chris Waddle said today: "I think someone is just trying to fill a gap in their newspaper.

"Villa don't come to watch us very often and, according to the scouting lists I have seen, West Ham have never been.

"He's a good player so people are going to talk about him but I haven't had any contact at all."

West Ham, of course, could take the chance to see Smith tomorrow night at Craven Cottage if they really are interested.

Waddle, meanwhile, was able to give Neil Moore a run out with the reserves last night to test his knee.

The central defender seemed to come through without any problems so he will be challenging for his place back against Fulham.

Moore was a regular in the side until he was injured in the game at Bristol City and missed last Saturday's home defeat against Wigan. Until Lee Howey's temporary switch up front, followed by Moore's injury, they seemed to be establishing themselves as a partnership in the centre of the Burnley defence. Depending on whether he goes with two or three central defenders tomorrow night, Waddle to re-unite the duo.

The manager substituted Steve Blatherwick at half time against Wigan last Saturday, with Burnley 2-0 down.

He explained that he wanted to change the system. Blatherwick's strengths are defensive, while Waddle wanted someone who could make more use of the ball.

But, whatever he decides, he will at least have plenty of choice.

"We are hoping to have everybody fit with a full squad to choose from," said Waddle, who is also likely to include one of his reserve team strikers in the party to travel South - probably Kevin Henderson.

The man who signed from non-League Morpeth has had a few weeks to settle into his new surroundings and has impressed Waddle with some of his performances.

A place on the bench could be a possibility with both Henderson and Colin Carr-Lawton, who has also been in the manager's thoughts, scoring for the reserves in last night's Pontin's League victory over Blackpool.

It is a vital game for Burnley tomorrow night as they desperately need a win to set themselves up for a difficult spell over the Christmas and New Year period. "We had a disappointing result last Saturday and we want to make sure we get something from tomorrow night," said Waddle.

"A win is what we want but, if we can't get that, then we have to try to get a draw. We want something from the game.

"The next four games are difficult, with three of them away.

"I don't think we have had any luck but other teams will say the same and you can't look back."

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