Austin to miss Burnley FC pre-season kick-off

The 22-year-old, Eddie Howe’s first Burnley signing for an initial £1.2m from Swindon in January, made only four appearances over the second half of the season after suffering a dislocated shoulder in training.

He was ruled out in March, and underwent surgery, following a similar problem while with Swindon last September.

But while he is fit again and raring to go, Howe is easing him back into the swing of things, with the games set to come thick and fast, with a trip to Bury to follow on Tuesday night.

Howe said: “Charlie won’t be involved, we’re just holding him back a little.

“It’s nothing to worry about, he’s fit and could play, but we’re just making sure his shoulder is fully recovered.

“He’s been training fine, we just want to be sure he is okay before he steps things up physically.”

Howe has a fully fit squad otherwise, for the trip to Lee Sinnott’s Blue Square Conference North side, and has been delighted with the players after their return to training last Thursday.

His squad have been put through some gruelling double sessions, but Howe said: “Touch wood, we have a clean bill of health, and the lads’ attitude in training has been first class.

“They’ve been excellent. I’ve been pleased with the quality and application they’ve shown, and we’re looking forward to the first game and seeing the lads back in action.

“At this stage, it’s all about working on fitness levels, and making sure no one breaks down.

“It’s all about getting through the work we’re doing, but the game is a good gauge of where we are at.”

He added: “We’ll gradually build up the players up in terms of game time, but it’s early days in our work.

“We’ve been working the lads pretty hard with double sessions, and we’ll be stepping things up.”

Howe has been taking the chance to look at a couple of trialists, who he was keen to keep the identities of under wraps, but said: “We’ve had a couple in, but it’s difficult to judge them until you see them in a game situation.

“We’ll wait and see whether they play any part in the game at Altrincham.”

Unless the trialists feature, Burnley will go into the game with no new faces, with Howe still looking to make his first signing of the summer.

Things are as they were on that front, with the club still fighting their corner as they look to bring Jack Cork back to Turf Moor from Chelsea, while Howe is working on a number of other deals.

BURNLEY fans are advised that there is payment available on the day at Altrincham, priced at £7 adults and £2 concessions.