STEVE Cotterill insists places are still up for grabs in his Burnley side as they prepare for their first pre-season friendly in Italy.

The Clarets face an Italian Select XI tonight at their Sport Hotel Veronello training base near Lake Garda.

But transfer-listed Gifton Noel-Williams will not be involved after the striker rejected to travel with Burnley as he searches for a new club.

After arriving in Italy on Sunday night, the players trained for the first time at 4.30pm yesterday in hot conditions.

Tonight's game is the first of two friendlies in Italy for Cotterill's men, with US Alense opponents on Friday.

And while boosting fitness levels is the top priority, Burnley boss Cotterill insists the friendly is a chance for players to nail down' positions.

"The difficult thing is that we don't quite know what the opposition are going to be like," said Cotterill.

"We are looking for a good all-round performance.

"We are looking to continue our good fitness levels because I think that is one thing that has not been a problem throughout.

"I think our fitness levels have been excellent, I really do."

Cotterill added: "Obviously, what we want now is for a couple of people to nail down positions.

"I have the nucleus of the side in my head but I think there are a couple of positions that could be fought for in my opinion. That's probably where we are with that.

"But tonight, we are just looking for a good performance. The result is irrelevant."

Cotterill wanted Noel-Williams travelling to Italy with the rest of his squad.

But the former Brighton and Stoke frontman decided to stay in England, believing it would help his chances of moving to a new club.

Cotterill added: "I spoke to Gifton and his agent and they felt that it would be more beneficial him staying at home and training there, because it would be more accessible to go to another club than it would be if he came out to Italy.

"I had a view to bring Gifton out here. At the end of the day, if him and his agent feel that way, then I'm fine with that.

"As for Danny Karbassiyoon, Duane Courtney and Micah Hyde, they've come here and there has not been a question asked.

"What I said to them and Gifton is that while they were here they would not be treated any differently."