STRIKER Tony Philliskirk could be on the verge of joining Third Division Cardiff City.

Ninian Park boss Kenny Hibbitt today made a fresh move for Philliskirk after his attempts to take the striker on loan failed last week.

"Cardiff have spoken to us about Tony Philliskirk and they have expressed their interest in taking Tony in a permanent deal," confirmed manager Jimmy Mullen.

"There are a number of things to be considered and something may happen, one way or the other, this week."

Centre-forward Philliskirk has only just returned to Burnley following a month on loan at Carlisle. He arrived at Turf Moor from Peterborough United in January 1994.

Meanwhile, Burnley will be without giant defender Peter Swan until Christmas.

The Football Association confirmed today that Swan will begin a three-game suspension against Carlisle United this Saturday.

And although Swan will be available for tomorrow night's Auto Windscreens Shield tie at Crewe Alexandra, the ban will leave him sidelined until the home game with Bristol City on December 23. Swan's yellow card at Shrewsbury saw the defender went past the 21-point mark and that means an automatic ban.

Utility star Gerry Harrison is also suspended from Saturday. He will miss the home games against Carlisle and Chesterfield following his dismissal at Gay Meadow.

"It is a severe blow losing both players and Peter's ban means we will be without his services for nearly three weeks," said a disappointed Jimmy Mullen.

"Peter Swan is an extremely influential member of the squad and he will be badly missed.

"Luckily Jamie Hoyland will be able to cover in the centre of defence and that should be a straight replacement."

Mullen is pinning his hopes on Gary Parkinson recovering from a hamstring injury and a return to the right back berth in time for the weekend, a position occupied by Harrison against Wrexham.

Parkinson is doubtful for tomorrow night's tie at Crewe with his chances rated at only 50-50.

Striker Nathan Peel has returned to Turf Moor following his month on loan at Mansfield Town.

"Mansfield have indicated they will not be asking for another month because their injury situation has now cleared up. Nathan Peel is now back with us. " added Mullen.

Burnley have given Cardiff City permission to play Alan Harper in tonight's Auto Windcreens Shield tie against Northampton Town at Ninian Park.

Burnley face Stoke City in the second round of the FA Youth Cup at Turf Moor tonight. (7.15pm)

Notts County scored three times in the last five minutes to book a 3-1 victory at Doncaster Rovers in the Auto Windcreens Shield, Northern section, second round.

Chris Kamara has taken charge at Bradford City until the end of the season after Lennie Lawrence was sacked half way through his three-year term at Valley Parade. The Second Division club reached their decision after a poor run of only one win from eight league matches.

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