By Longsider
August 2 2004

The first team squad returned home from Austria yesterday after ending the pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw in Germany. The Clarets had taken the lead through Frank Sinclair before conceding a soft goal just minutes later.

Steve Cotterill will now be focusing on our first game of the season which takes place at the Turf on Saturday against Sheffield United. Cotterill has made 5 signings over the Summer with all of the new signings featuring heavily in Austria.

Danny Coyne will start the opening game in goal with Michael Duff replacing Lee Roche at right-back. The two defenders in the centre will be John McGreal and Frank Sinclair with Mo Camara keeping his place at left-back.

The side have been playing a 4-5-1 system during the friendly matches with Grant, Chaplow and Micah Hyde in the middle. Lee Roche has started a number of games on the right and Graham Branch on the left although Cotterill may decide to use Matty O'Neill instead of Roche whilst Blake has been the man upfront. The return to fitness of Ian Moore will no doubt give Cotterill another attacking option as he now looks to get the right team in time for Saturday.