IF it has been a disappointing few weeks for Burnley's players they should spare a thought for Watford midfielder Paul Okon.

At the start of the season the Aussie midfielder was looking forward to life in the Premiership with Middlesbrough and dreaming about leading out Australia in the World Cup Finals in Japan and South Korea.

The Socceroos became the last side to be eliminated before the finals when they lost a play-off to Uruguay and Okon was virtually ignored by new Boro boss Steve McClaren.

Tonight he will line up for Watford against the Clarets as he tries to get his career back on the road.

The 29-year-old moved for free from the Riverside and has started two games for the Hornets. His contract will run until the end of the season when he will decide where his future lies. Having started in his native Australia he has played in Belgium and Italy.

His midfield battle with Tony Grant will be key to the outcome of tonight's match and Stan Ternent will be hoping his £250,000 buy will rediscover his form after a poor run of late.

When he first came to Burnley from Manchester City he barely put a pass out of place but in recent weeks he has been spraying the ball everywhere but the intended target.

But Grant is player who is confident in his own ability and he will relish the challenge presented by a man of Okon's undoubted experience. TONY GRANT

Date of Birth... 14/11/74

Place of Birth...Liverpool

Signed: 11/10/01

Fee...£250,000

Nationality...English

International honours...England Under 21

Goals this season...0

PAUL OKON

Date of birth...05/04/1972

Place of birth...Sydney

Signed...09/01/2002

Nationality...Australian

International honours...Full

Goals this season...0