Burnley have taken on two trialists this week after they were identified by artificial intelligence from more than 12,000 applications via a mobile phone app.

In January the Clarets became the first Premier League club to launch an open global talent search using the AiSCOUT app and were inundated with applications from 17 to 22 year olds in 125 countries.

Using the software Burnley's scouts narrowed down the list to 28 prospects and the first two, from London and Wales, will spend the week at the club's Barnfield Training Centre to be assessed by academy staff.

Two more hopefuls will be assessed at the end of the season, with one UK eligible player currently playing football in the United States college system, with a further 24 players to be assessed in a trial game in front of Burnley scouts.

Burnley chairman Alan Pace said: "With thousands of entrants from over 125 countries, I think this is a great example of how we can expand our club's reach around the world, by making it relevant to football fans and providing them with an opportunity to engage with the club."