BURNLEY today granted Alan Harper a second month on loan with Third Division Cardiff City.

The Clarets midfielder played his final loan game for Cardiff against Fulham at Craven Cottage last night.

Harper was due to return to Turf Moor this morning after featuring in three Cardiff fixtures since making his Bluebirds debut at Hereford United.

But Cardiff made a fresh move for Harper who has proved a big hit since linking up with old mate Tony Philliskirk.

It means Harper will remain at Ninian Park until the middle of January and the development increases the prospect of a permanent deal between the two clubs.

I understand the Clarets would not stand in the way of a lasting deal for the 33-year-old former Everton and Manchester City midfielder. However, they are likely to want a small fee as Harper still has six months of his Turf Moor contract still to run.

"Kenny Hibbitt asked me about extending the loan and we have agreed to another month for Alan Harper," confirmed Clarets manager Jimmy Mullen.

"Alan is getting regular first team football and, by all accounts, he is doing very well down there."

Meanwhile, the Auto Windcreens Shield, Northern section, quarter-final tie against Carlisle United at Brunton Park on January 6 is an all-ticket affair.

Because of major ground redevelopment at Brunton Park, the Clarets have been allocated a 'very small' number of terrace spaces for the New Year cup tie.

Season ticket holders will get priority purchase and will be able to buy from this Saturday (9.15am). Use voucher J. One ticket per applicant. £7.50 Adults and £4.50 (Under 16 and OAP). Any remaining tickets will go on open sale from Monday, January 1 at 10.00 am.

Burnley Reserves visit Leicester City tonight and the squad is: Heaps, West, Swan, Taylor, Adams, Boland, Smith, Robinson, Francis, Dowell, Peel, Duerden, Mutton, Heffernan.

Sheffield United's new management team - Howard Kendall and Adrian Heath - have swopped on their former club Manchester City to land Dutch defender Michel Vonk in a £350,000 deal.

Kendall and Heath see Vonk - who joined City for £500,000 from SVV Dordrecht in March 1992 - as the perfect remedy for the Blades' defensive woes.

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