DARREN Barnard's left boot has been a great weapon in recent seasons for both Barnsley and Bristol City and now it is going to be a key factor in whether Grimsby can beat the drop again.

And tonight his battle with Glen Little down one side of the pitch could have a major impact on the result of Burnley's trip to Blundell Park.

Barnard left Oakwell in the summer after Barnsley's relegation to the second division but he looks set for another relegation battle as the Mariners have made a slow start to the season, currently with only Brighton below them.

The 30-year-old, who has won 16 full caps for Wales despite representing England at schools level, was on the score sheet against the Clarets last season when he fired home a late free-kick during Barnsley's 3-3 draw at Turf Moor - doing precisely the same thing in the return game a 1-1 draw at Oakwell.

He is approaching the 50 goal mark in league football, a great record for player who has played at either left back or as a wing back.

Little has scored twice this season and was again close on a couple of occasions at the weekend. Barnard's attacking instincts will have to be balanced against his need to stop the partnership of Dean West and Little creating havoc down Grimsby's left wing.

But by the same token the Clarets will be wary of Barnard's boot and won't want to concede free-kicks around their area.