FOUR of the wisest old heads in football clash at Turf Moor tomorrow and Clarets assistant boss Sam Ellis admitted: "The gaffer is desperate to be there."

Stan Ternent was conspicuous by his absence at Portman Road on Tuesday night, unable to make the long journey because of health problems.

But he is hoping to be back in the dug-out after three games away, not least so he can catch up with a couple of old mates, Pompey boss Harry Redknapp and his assistant Jim Smith.

"We know Harry and Jim very well," said Ellis. "The gaffer is desperate to see them, as he has known them both for a very long time.

"We are all from the older echelons of management school and we will be pleased to see them. We are both delighted that they are doing so well at Pompey.

"Harry knows that the right way to play is the winning one and he has been doing that this season. Despite what Harry says, he has spent a lot of money on players since he took over.

"He has certainly changed it around a lot at Fratton Park and he has got some very good players.

"They have made a great start to the season and from our point of view we would love to have as many points as they have. They are in pole position, like we were before Christmas last season."

It is not only the manager who is keen to be back as Ellis said: "We all want him to come back as soon as possible.

"He has improved over the week but it certainly felt strange not having him with us on Tuesday night."

One thing Ternent may not have to worry about is his team selection. In fact, there is every chance that the Clarets will be unchanged for the third successive match as Glen Little looks to be winning his fitness battle, having suffered a knock to his calf on Tuesday.

Ellis said: "He was not capable of going out for the second half but it is looking as though he is going to be okay for the weekend.

"We were delighted with the way the players upheld the gaffer's principles against Ipswich."

The vital equaliser was scored by super sub Dimitri Papadopoulos, his fifth goal of the season, all from the bench.

Ellis admitted it was another big reminder to Ternent, but he said: "It is not just Dimi who wants to be in the starting line-up because we have got a good strong squad if we can keep everybody fit.

"At the moment, just Alan Moore and Gordon Armstrong are out with injury and that is important with a lot of matches coming up."

Paul Weller will certainly have benefited from playing the full second half against Ipswich and he will be ready to step in should Little have any setback with regards to his calf problem.