DRISSA Diallo is almost pinching himself at what has happened to him in the last few months and he admitted: "It is like a dream.

"Three months ago I was with Mechelen when they went bust and everyone was very sad.

"Now, tomorrow, I will be playing for Burnley in an FA Cup quarter-final, the most famous competition in the world. It is very strange and a lot of things have happened to me."

Diallo has more than played his part in Burnley's progress to the last eight, playing in every round except the opening tie against Grimsby because he had not signed in time.

But since then he has been an ever present in the side, initially alongside fellow Frenchman Arthur Gnohere but in more recent games with Ian Cox as his partner.

"It has gone well with Coxy and I think part of it is we are both very experienced," he said. "I am 30 now and I know that England is the best place for me to play my football. We will both have to show our experience against Watford.

"I don't know much about them but I do know how important this match is. But I think that every game is important, the pressure is always the same."

Because Burnley's last Cup opponents Fulham were laden with French players, the replay was featured on TV across the Channel and Diallo admitted: "It was nice for my family to see me score a goal. I don't know if they will be seeing the game against Watford.

"But in France we know all about the Cup so maybe they will see me again."

Diallo has settled very happily into life in Burnley and as well as thanking his team mates, he has praised the support from the fans.

"From my first game against Ipswich they have been really behind me," he said. "They have helped me play well and settle in the town, they are very friendly."

If he can help the Clarets reach the semi-finals for the first time in 29 years his place in the club's history will be assured, along with his place in the hearts of the fans.