BURNLEY have been put on high alert as Derek Riordan's Celtic career looks to be all but over.

The former Hibernian striker was locked in showdown talks with Bhoys boss Gordon Strachan last night at the club's Lennoxtown HQ after comments he made before the weekend's defeat against Motherwell, and for failing to play a club fine.

The 25-year-old was quoted as saying he has "virtually chucked it" at Celtic and accused Strachan of "talking rubbish". He also FROM BACK PAGE reported Celtic to PFA Scotland for trying to fine him £1000 for failing to attend a supporters rally.

But he looks set to be fined for his outburst in the media and released from Celtic, which will interest Clarets boss Owen Coyle.

Coyle tried to bring Riordan, who has made just 13 starts and 19 sub appearances in the green and white hoops, to Turf Moor during the January transfer window.

The Clarets made a £400,000, plus add-ons, bid for the Scottish international at the end of January but were thwarted after it was revealed that Strachan wanted closer to £1million for him.

But after events in recent weeks, Riordan looks set for a move and Burnley would surely be interested.