DOUG Hodgson's Burnley career has been cut dramatically short by a badly broken cheekbone.

The big Aussie centre-half was helped from the pitch in the dying moments of Saturday's 1-0 win over Notts County.

And the accidental collision leaves him facing a two or three-month absence from the game.

"It's broken in four places and that means a long time, probably two or three months," confirmed manager Adrian Heath.

"It's disappointing for us but even worse for the lad. He had only been here a couple of days but was enjoying himself so much he was already talking about trying to make the move permanent.

"I'm more concerned for him at the moment. He was just going for a header. Both players went in bravely but he headed the back of the other lad's head."

Hodgson made a confident Clarets debut following his arrival from Sheffield United on Wednesday.

Heath added: "Doug did okay. He got one or two good headers in and sorted one or two people out.

"He's a little bit short of match practice but I know what he is capable of."

Heath, meanwhile, was satisfied with Burnley's display. Paul Barnes grabbed the Clarets winner on the hour - against his former club - to deliver Burnley the points.

"I didn't think that Notts County deserved to take anything from the game and we were worthy winners," added Heath.

"They had about three efforts at goal, compared to our 20 or so.

"At times I thought we played some lovely football and I'm delighted with the victory, especially after winning a very good point at Watford in midweek."

The manager added: "We were guilty of a bit of slack finishing. But we were playing against a team with one of the best defensive records in Division Two.

"So I was really delighted just how many we did create.

"Our play was quite enterprising and some of our movement was a little bit more like what I expect from the players.

"The thing a football manager can never guarantee is a result. Because there are 11 other people trying to do something about it. "But what I should be able to guarantee is that everyone is going to run until they drop.

"They did that against Notts County and I was pleased with that aspect."

Phil Eastwood and James Webster were on the mark as the A team clocked up a 2-1 win over Crewe. The B team defeated Stockport County 3-1 with Terry Murphy and Michael Devaney among the goals.

Burnley striker Ian Helliwell, currently on loan with Third Division Chester, scored their first goal in a 2-1 win over Exeter at the Deva Stadium.

Heerenveen defender Mel Schoenmakers is having talks with Burnley about his future. There is a possibility that the club might take him until the end of the season, especially now that Hodgson's loan spell has ended so abruptly.

Burnley Reserves play Stockport on Wednesday night at Turf Moor (kick-off 7.15pm) NOT at Edgeley Park.

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