No Fireworks as Window Closes just Damp Squibs!

This January transfer window was probably one of the dullest on record as far as Burnley fans were concerned although all will be relieved that we still have Charlie Austin on our books, indeed all our recognised first team squad! There were no ‘outs’ except three loans but also no ‘ins’

Alex MacDonald, Shay McCartan and Steven Hewitt were loaned out yesterday before the transfer deadline window closed.

Striker, Shay McCartan (pictured above) has joined Blue Square Bet Premier club Hyde United FC on a month’s loan. The 18-year-old has featured in just one game for the Clarets as a substitute at Doncaster last April. A Northern Ireland under-19 international, he scored 23 times for thr Burnley Youth team last year. He joined the club from Glenavon in 2010 and signed a professional contract last summer. McCartan moves to Ewen Fields to gain further first-team experience. The Tameside club, managed by former Oldham defender Scott McNiven, is scheduled to play eight league games before McCartan`s initial deal expires on 2 March and the striker will be hoping to help the Tigers pull clear of the Blue Square Premier drop zone.

Meanwhile, midfielder Stevie Hewitt has joined Alfreton Town to continue his career development in the Blue Square Premier.

The 19 year old has joined the Reds on loan until the end of their season on April 20.

Hewitt completed his move to the Impact Arena after impressing for Burnley’s Development Squad in their friendly defeat at Everton earlier the same day.

The Manchester-born prospect made his debut for the Clarets as a substitute in the Championship last April and then made a full first-team debut in the Capital One Cup in August. Hewitt has been fast-tracked since signing as a scholar. He spent time at Stockport County and Blackburn Rovers as a schoolboy before joining Burnley’s Centre of Excellence in the summer of 2010. By October 2011, he had signed his first professional contract! The move to Alfreton will give the midfielder a taste of regular first-team football under former Chesterfield and Bradford City boss Nicky Law.

Striker, Alex MacDonald has gone to Burton Albion on an one-month loan deal in a bid to get first team football. He previously had a loan spell at Plymouth this season where he made 17 appearances scoring two goals.