Eddie Howe eyes up loan signings

CLARETS boss Eddie Howe remains keen to add to his squad ahead of Saturday’s visit of Middlesbrough.

But I understand nothing has progressed on that front over the weekend, ahead of the emergency loan window opening on Thursday.

There remains an interest in the likes of Stoke City’s Ryan Shotton and West Brom’s Craig Dawson, but matters were complicated on that front with the annnouncement of the 25-man Premier League squads.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Shotton, who was thought to be close to a move to Turf Moor before the close of the transfer window on Wednesday night, has been named in Stoke’s Premier League squad, as well as the Potters’ Europa League squad, which would appear to scupper any hopes of landing the 23-year-old.

And Dawson, while not named in West Brom’s 25, can still play in the Premier League as he was under the age of 21 on January 1st this year.

Bolton striker Tom Eaves is another the club are keeping an eye on, but he is currently out injured, having suffered a knee problem in the Trotters’ pre-season game against Orlando at the end of July.

It was feared the 19-year-old had damaged cruciate knee ligaments and could be out for nine to 12 months, but Bolton boss Owen Coyle confirmed Eaves will be back this month, saying at the time: “We’ve had the scans and we don’t think there has been any major damage.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’re looking at one or two months as opposed to nine to 12, so obviously we’re absolutely delighted.”

Howe will have to bide his time for the 6ft 3ins frontman - seen by many as Kevin Davies’ successor - and having been patient for Shotton, may hsve to look elsewhere to add a central defender.

He said: “We’ll keep an eye on the 25-man squads - it could work in our favour.”

Meanwhile, Howe will prepare for the Boro game on Saturday without his internationals Keith Treacy, Alex MacDonald and David Edgar.

Treacy is away with the Republic of Ireland.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He wasn’t in the matchday squad for Friday’s game with Slovakia in Dublin, but is with the squad in Moscow for Tuesday night’s game.

MacDonald was hoping to face Bulgaria with Scotland Under 21s at St. Mirren on Monday night, while Edgar played for Canada against St Lucia in Toronto on Friday, and is again in the squad in Puerto Rico on Tuesday night.

Howe said: “We lost them for the break, so we don’t see them for the best part of two weeks before they come back in on Thursday, and in Eddie’s case, Friday morning.

“It’s a bit of a trek for him, but we’re delighted for him representing his country, along with Keith and Macca.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

• BURNLEY have confirmed the ticketing arrangements for their Carling Cup third round tie against League 1 leaders MK Dons on Tuesday, September 20th (kick-off 7-45 p.m.).

Ticket prices are: £15 Adults, £10 Senior/16-18/Students, £5 Juveniles.

The Bob Lord Stand, James Hargreaves (upper tier) and Jimmy McIlroy Stand (lower tier) will be open.

Reserved seating will be in operation.