BURNLEY MP and staunch Clarets fan Peter Pike today revealed how he will miss the club's crunch FA Cup replay clash against Fulham -- to take part in a debate about a war with Iraq.

The Labour backbencher was set to return to Burnley tomorrow to watch the match at Turf Moor.

The winners of the game, a replay of the fifth round tie when Burnley drew 1-1 with Fulham 10 days ago, will play Watford in the next round.

Mr Pike, who has already expressed reservations about a possible war to Prime Minister Tony Blair, said: "I will be sorry to miss the game and I hope we beat Fulham to progress into the next round to face Watford, but clearly I have no choice but to be in the Commons for the vote."

Last month he tackled the Prime Minister at a meeting of senior MPs about the possible dangerous consequences of a conflict on the Middle East and Kashmir. MPs are set to vote on a motion in the House of Commons this Wednesday night, the exact details of which will not be released until the debate.

Mr Pike said: "I was due to return to Burnley for the cup tie replay but there is now to be a debate and vote in the Commons that evening.

"Depending on exactly what the question is to be voted on I am undecided which way I shall go, either yes, no or abstain but I remain unconvinced of the case for attacking Iraq."