Burnley v Preston North End - big match preview

THE League's newest manager will lock horns with one of the most experienced in the business at Turf Moor tomorrow but Preston North End's Kelham O'Hanlon claimed: "I'm looking forward to it."

Stan Ternent has been there, done it and bought the T-shirt when it comes to club management while it is just a couple of days ago that O'Hanlon picked up the reins at Deepdale although he lacks nothing in enthusiasm.

"I love the buzz of match day and it is such a big game that everything will take care of itself," he said. "It is a local derby, a promotion battle and I am sure Burnley will be ready for it. I know our lads are as well."

O'Hanlon was named as stand in manager at Deepdale in the wake of the departure of David Moyes and he has already been rumoured to be on his way to team up with his friend and colleague at Goodison Park.

He admitted: "I could be here for two days or I could be here for five years, I honestly don't know. But it has certainly been a very strange week, that's the best way to describe it.

"Obviously losing someone of David's calibre in any walk of life is a blow, his record speaks for itself."

For now the former keeper is looking no further ahead than the crucial derby clash with Burnley and he said: "This is our biggest game of the season because it is the next one. We never think any further ahead than that.

"I am not sure whether it has go into the must win category because there are still points to play for.

"I really can't look beyond Sunday but myself and Jimmy (Lumsden) will have a chat about the team although there is always one man who has to make the decisions and sign the team sheet and that is me."

As with any other manager, O'Hanlon will spend the hours before the game finalising his plans for the match with one eye on the treatment table.

"Colin Hendry's fitness will go down to the wire while Sean Gregan took a knock in training earlier this week," he said. "Paul McKenna also has a slight thigh injury but I hope he will be okay."

O'Hanlon is well aware that the paths of the two clubs have been very similar in recent years and he said: "They have both done very well on limited resources. They are in the top ten of the first division and have both made remarkable strides.

"That is a testament to the people running both clubs on and off the pitch."

Whether he will be part of the running of Preston North End in the immediate future remains unsure but for now all he wants is three points on Sunday.

There has been mixed news for the Burnley boss on the injury front. A fortnight after his horrendous collision with the Nottingham Forest defender Darren Kenton he is ready to return to the fray against a team he has scored against in each of the last two games.

"Glen is coming along nicely having trained all week," he said. "But he still looks a bit peaky.

"Steve Davis is not ruled out yet but he could be doubtful. He got a calf strain against Stockport last week."

Another player who is in with a chance of a recall is Dean West who has served his one match suspension for picking up five yellow cards this season. Mark McGregor came in and did well against Stockport County a week ago but West has been the model of consistency all season.

Tomorrow it is Gareth Taylor who will be missing as he serves the first of a two match suspension. With that absence in mind Ternent brought in his former striker David Johnson on loan form Nottingham Forest and he looks set for an instant debut alongside Ian Moore in attack.

"Gareth is suspended but David Johnson has done very well in training this week," said Ternent. "We have got Lennie Johnrose and Graham Branch injured but whoever plays I know that my players are up for it.