Clarets look at Kalnins
21 Jul 2008 - 14:46:51
Latvia international Gatis Kalnins has been handed a trial by Burnley and is expected to play in the pre-season friendly against Partick Thistle as he attempts to earn a permanent switch to Turf Moor.
The 26-year-old, who was linked with a transfer to Blackburn earlier this year, has spent the last six seasons with Skonto Riga in his homeland.
Clarets boss Owen Coyle said of the striker: "Gatis will join with us until Friday and we'll assess it after we've seen him against Partick.
"He's a 6ft-plus striker and just adds a different dimension to what we've got. We put an awful lot of crosses into the box and just need someone to get on the end of them.
"He's a big, physical lad, so we'll look at it and see if it's the right type of player for us.
"He's got a terrific scoring record at Skonto Riga and scored two goals last week when they beat Blackpool 4-0 in a friendly, so he knows where the goals are.
"I've been aware of him for some time, but we weren't going to do anything without looking at him in the flesh first-hand, and this week gives us the opportunity to do that."