LUCKLESS Lee Briscoe has suffered a fresh injury set-back which has dashed any hopes of a comeback at Gillingham on Saturday.

Briscoe started Burnley's behind-closed-doors friendly at Manchester United yesterday but had to come off almost straight away because of a tight hamstring.

The left-back was making his return after seven weeks out with a gashed knee and had hoped to force his way back into the squad for the trip to Kent.

However, he was back in the treatment room today and could be set for a further spell on the sidelines.

"It's just really bad luck for him. It's one thing on top of another and will set him back," said manager Stan Ternent.

"We took him off straight away. He will have treatment and we will just have to wait and see how it is. But he will have no chance for the weekend, in my view, as it stands."

However, there was better news for Glen Little who played most of the game and scored from the penalty spot to edge closer to a return to the Clarets' starting line-up.

"He did very well and all-in-all it was a very good exercise. You can do all the training in the world but there's nothing like matches and they looked after us very well," Ternent added.

The sides didn't keep a final score with plenty of youngsters introduced late on but with Jaap Stam, David May, Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham in the United side it was a highly useful work-out for a Burnley squad which also included last Saturday's FA Cup hero Lennie Johnrose.

Ternent then took the opportunity to watch former club Bury in LDV Van Trophy action last night with reports from Gigg Lane suggesting he may have been monitoring the progress of Gordon Armstrong's younger brother Chris.

Meanwhile, Gillingham have been rocked in the build-up to Saturday's game by allegations which could, if proved, lead to their automatic relegation from Division One.

According to reports in a national newspaper, a file has been prepared against the Kent club containing allegations of financial irregularities and illegal payments to players.

The file has reportedly been compiled on behalf of former Gills manager Tony Pulis, who is suing the club for wrongful dismissal after his departure from the Priestfield Stadium in the summer of 1999.

Swindon Town were effectively relegated after being denied promotion to the top-flight in 1990 following a breach of League regulations concerning unlawful payments.

And the FA have pledged to investigate Gillingham's affairs if suitable evidence is provided.

On the field the Gills also have problems with player-manager Andy Hessenthaler ruled out with a badly gashed knee.

Central defender Guy Butter will also miss Burnley's visit because of a knee injury he sustained in Gillingham's FA Cup win at Bournemouth last Saturday.

However, leading scorer Carl Asaba -- who has been linked with Burnley in the past but not expected to be on his way to Turf Moor -- is set to return, along with central defender Barry Ashby and midfielder Mark Saunders.