Turf Titbits from Singapore

The Singapore Tour Update

The Clarets have taken a 24 man squad to Singapore after flying out to the Far East yesterday (Saturday 17th July). The tour will last 8-days and include three games as follows:

Match schedule:

Tue 20th July: v Gombak United at at Tampines Stadium (5pm KO)

Thu 22nd July: v Home United at Tampines Stadium (5pm KO)

Sat 24th July: FIS Asian Challenge Cup v Singapore Asian Games squad at Jalan Besar Stadium (7.30pm KO)

Clarets fans are reminded that the kick-off times above are local and that Singapore is 7 hours ahead of the UK.

Burnley's squad for the tour is:

Jensen, Alexander, Fox, Duff, McDonald, Iwelumo, Paterson, Mears, Thompson, McCann, Fletcher, Bikey, Carlisle, Wallace, Elliott, Easton, Marney, Cort, Eagles, Edgar, Rodriguez, Harvey, Eckersley, Mawson.

Diego Penny, widely expected to be given a free transfer is the only player in the first team squad to miss out. He is understood to be injured.

Brian Laws had hoped to have Newcastle keeper, Fraser Forster on board by now on a season-long loan but there have been further delays. He could still arrive at a later time during the tour if the deal is completed but with Penny injured, Centre of excellence goalkeeping coach and former Clarets keeper Craig Mawson will provide cover for Brian Jensen.

You can see from the squad list that Chris Eagles is also involved after turning down a move to SPL League Champions, Rangers in midweek despite both clubs having agreed a fee believed to be about £2.5 million. News then broke that Premier League, Sunderland could be about to launch a bid but this interest has since been denied by the club.

Black Cats assistant manager Eric Black ruled out the speculation telling the Lancashire Telegraph: 'We have no interest in him.'

Tyrone Mears is another player believed to be unsettled at Turf Moor and seeking a Premier League life. He also missed our two pre-season friendlies so far away to Bury and Oldham with a hamstring strain. Mears too though was on the plane to the Far East!

One player who did not make the tour was Kevin Long. The Ireland Under 21 was signed by Burnley from Cork in January 2010 penning a three and a half year deal but has yet to make his debut for the Clarets. Long featured in the Reserves pre-season opener away to Buxton in midweek but has since joined MK Dons on trial with a view to a season-long loan. Carlisle are also interested in taking the defender on loan. He featured for MK Dons yesterday in a pre-season friendly against St Neots who play in the United Counties Premier League.

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