BURNLEY'S reserves kick-off their season at Turf Moor tonight when an inexperienced side will take on Huddersfield Town.

But far from being worried at the prospect of fielding a team packed full of youngsters, reserve boss Ronnie Jepson is very excited at the prospect.

"This is a great chance for the younger players to come into the side and show what they can do at this level," he said.

"It will be a good yardstick for them and show them how far they have got to go to make it."

The injury problems that have beset Stan Ternent after just two weekends of the season mean that he will be wrapping the majority of his senior players in cotton wool and not risking them in a reserve game two days before the next League match, and due to that defender Earl Davis is pressed into action as a striker.

The limited size of his squad compared to last year means that more of Terry Pashley's young hopefuls will be in action than ever before.

"We know it will be a very inexperienced side and when that is the case the result is not the most important thing," said Jepson. "What we will be looking at it the level of performance from the players and hoping that the fans will get the chance to see some of the young players coming through."

Like Burnley, Huddersfield will be relying heavily on youth but players such as Danny Schofield, Jon Dyson and Simon Baldry have all had plenty of first team experience and are expected to be in the side.

Also in the side should be former Rover Kevin Gallacher, who was with Preston North End last season.

This season reserve matches at Turf Moor will be kicking off 15 minutes earlier than last at 7pm and as ever, all fans are welcome.

SQUAD: Salisbury, Leeson, Eaves, Pittam, Carter, Pilkington, Rasmussen, Waine, E Davis, O'Neill, Scott. Subs: Caplow, Blakey, Richardson, Townsend