GRAHAM Branch is still pinching himself after Burnley were handed a dream FA Cup clash with boyhood heroes Liverpool.

The buzz is still reverberating around Turf Moor after the Clarets were paired with the Premiership giants for next month's third round clash.

And Liverpool-born Branch, who still gets to Anfield at any opportunity, admits January cannot come around soon enough.

He said: "I'm a Liverpool supporter and it's just brilliant - an unbelievable draw. I had my television on mute and when Liverpool came out I was jumping about shouting 'get in there!

"I've never actually played against their first team in a competitive match and I can't wait.

"I went to games with my dad when I was younger when they were the Arsenal of their day.

"Kenny Dalglish is my favourite player of all time and I still try to go as often as I can with a couple of mates who are season ticket holders.

"But, of course, with playing so many games it's hard to get to Anfield these days, although it's always the first result I look out for."

Branch, who scored against Premiership opposition earlier this season in the 3-1 Carling Cup victory over Aston Villa, added: "If we can play like we have done against Premiership sides over the last couple of seasons, hopefully we have got a chance.

"But it is great for the club. There should be a full house at Turf Moor and we should make some money from the game to help improve things."

For now though, Branch and Burnley must put the FA Cup on a back burner as they look to bounce back to winning ways in this weekend's Lancashire derby with Preston North End at Turf Moor.

And utility man Branch admits the Clarets will need to improve on last weekend's poor performance at Plymouth, which brought a three-match winning streak to an abrupt end.

He said: "We didn't play very well down at Plymouth and, no disrespect, but we should be going there and giving them a better game. You can blame the long trip, but it's not a good excuse."

"Too many of us didn't play and we got what we deserved - nothing!

"Now it's up to us now to put it right against Preston."

Burnley's Championship rivals Wigan, who have had two bids rejected for Robbie Blake, had not been back with a third, improved offer this morning, despite tabloid reports that the Clarets skipper has played his last game for the club.