FORMER Clarets keeper Paul Crichton believes the return of Steve Davis to the first team squad is a timely boost for Burnley's promotion hopes.

The Norwich City stopper is just hoping that he will not have to face a free-kick from his former skipper as he admitted: "I know how much he can hurt your hands."

Crichton has been the number two at Norwich for most of this season, having left Burnley in the summer, but he came off the bench at Watford on Tuesday to replace the injured Robert Green.

With the young keeper set to miss the next couple of games, Crichton will come into the side starting with tomorrow's crucial top of the table clash at Turf Moor.

"Steve Davis loves the place," he explained. "I know he is from the North East but in many ways he is Burnley through and through.

"He left the club, came back and is now settled there. He is a great player and the return of a crowd favourite will be a big boost for everyone. The fans will get behind him. He is a lovely lad, although I have to admit his singing is not the best."

Crichton is guaranteed a warm reception by both ex-colleagues and the home fans alike when he takes his place in the Norwich goal tomorrow afternoon.

But Stan Ternent, who sold him to Nigel Worthington last summer for £150,000, said: "I still hope he has to pick the ball out of the net half a dozen times."

Crichton played 83 games for the Clarets, was an ever present in the second division promotion winning team and is still held in affection by his former manager.

"He is a good goalkeeper who did very well for Burnley," he said. "He is a lovely lad and I like him very much. I will have no problem welcoming him back."

The 33-year-old hopes he will get a good reception because he still has a lot of affection for the club.

But he knows that all sentiment must be put to one side until full time for what he describes as a "massive match for both teams".

He added: "It is a bit like a Cup Final because there is so much riding on it. Both teams have got 33 points and I don't think they have to give up on getting an automatic promotion place yet.

"I remember when we went up from the second division we won about seven games on the trot to get us up there and if you can get a run like that going you suddenly have 21 extra points.

"That means if either of the top two slip up both teams will have a chance of going straight up."

But with only 11 games left to play, the time to start a run is now and Crichton believes that both teams are geared up for life in the Premier League.

"Burnley and Norwich both started the season well and if they don't make the play-offs it will be a big disappointment," he said.

The Canaries problems have come away from home and Crichton believes that geography plays its part. He said: "The nearest game is three hours away and it is only when you play here you realise quite how far you have to travel. We are not making excuses but the long trips do catch up on you."

Having gone to Norwich in search of first team football it has been a frustrating time sitting on the bench but he said: "It is ironic that Robert has got injured just before we play Burnley.

"I missed a bit of pre-season because of the birth of my second child but Robert has taken his chance well, like Nik (Michopoulos) did when I was at Burnley."

Crichton knows he can start to make a case for a regular place if he performs well on Saturday and he is certainly on a familiar stage. The home fans, who saw him play well so often, must hope that he is left helpless by his former team mates.