JOHN Spicer could be a target for Burnley's Championship rivals Plymouth Argyle.

Sources in the South West claim that Pilgrims manager Ian Holloway is considering a six-figure swoop for the 23-year-old midfielder, but the Clarets have refused to comment on the speculation.

Last season, Spicer slipped down the midfield pecking order at Turf Moor and was restricted to just 11 appearances from the substitutes' bench.

But the former Arsenal man has figured considerably in Burnley's pre-season warm-ups, with starts against Wrexham and Bradford, suggesting he could be back in manager Steve Cotterill's plans for the new Championship campaign.

Sources in Devon suggest that Holloway's top priorty at Home Park before the transfer window ends is recruiting a wing-back that can play on either flank.

But a central midfielder could also figure among his targets, especially as Argyle captain Paul Wotton, who is recovering from an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury, is not expected to return in time for the new season.

Spicer, who will be looking to register another pre-season friendly appearance this afternoon as the Clarets entertain Leeds United at Turf Moor, was signed by Cotterill in August 2005 in a £35,000 move from Bournemouth.

In his first season with the club, he made 36 appearances and scored four goals in all competitions.

But opportunities have since been limited for the Romford-born midfielder, who failed to make a single Burnley start last term.

During the last January transfer window, Crewe offered to take him on loan to provide him with more first-team chances, but Spicer decided against a temporary switch to the League One club and preferred to fight for his place with the Clarets instead.

His decision brought some kind of reward as he picked up the majority of his subsitute appearances in the final two months of the season, and fired Burnley's winner in the superb 1-0 win over then Championship league leaders Birmingham in April.

Competition for places in Burnley's midfield, however, is fierce with Spicer among several names looking to claim a spot when their Championship season gets under way on August 11 at home to West Brom.

James O'Connor, Chris McCann, Joey Gudjonsson and Alan Mahon are also vying for a place in Cotterill's engine room.

Today's contest against struggling Leeds, who are now facing life in League One, is the Clarets' final summer warm-up on English soil.

Cotterill takes his squad out to Austria tomorrow for a week-long stay at the BSFZ sporting complex in Obertraun, regarded as one of the very best in Europe, and will play two games against foreign opposition.

l Supporters travelling to Austria next week should note a change of kick-off for the second game.

Burnley's friendly with Apollon Limassol will now take place on Friday, August 3 at Bad Goisern with a kick-off at 5pm, instead of the originally planned 6pm.