Brian Laws was sacked as Burnley boss a month ago and already the Clarets have dawn up a shortlist of candidates to be his successor. Chairman Barry Kilby will begin interviewing applicants shortly which has been narrowed down to six contenders.

"We will be interviewing the people we want to see and hopefully moving things forward to get the next manager," Kilby told the club's official website.

"Our shortlist is around half-a-dozen people of different sorts and different reputations and I am looking forward now to trying to get the best one for us.

"There is a two-week window either side of the FA Cup tie and I do not want to belittle that because it is important we get through and keep our season alive in that sphere.

"But with two weeks and no league game with points at stake, it gives us time to get up and down the country, see the candidates we want to and get the best person for Burnley Football Club."

However, Kilby is determined not to rush the process, adding: "The manager will be in place when we are ready.

"Stuart (Gray) is holding the fort but the path of the club has to be sorted out as quickly as possible and uncertainty taken away. That is the most important thing

"But, on the other hand, it has to be the right man and there will be negotiations attached to that, with its own timescale. However, we will do it as quickly as we can."