WITH a second successive home game as first division leaders there should be every reason for a happy atmosphere at Turf Moor tomorrow.

But Burnley boss Stan Ternent knows that this week, of all weeks, life is different with the world of football, like everyone else, in mourning.

In fact, in the wake of the terrible tragedy across the Atlantic on Tuesday, Ternent would have been happier if the Football League had taken a leaf out of UEFA's book and called off this weekend's programme.

"I wouldn't have any games tomorrow," he said. "I'd have just cancelled them all.

"In the light of what happened this week football just pales into insignificance and our thoughts are obviously with all those people, wherever they are, who have been affected by the tragedy.

"But we will abide by the rules and get on with the game. We are professional people and we have not allowed things to affect us this week."

That has meant keeping everyone focused on the immediate task in hand, defeating Walsall tomorrow and maintaining the near perfect start to the season.

"It is early days and being at the top of the table we are there to be beaten," admitted Ternent. "We know that whoever comes to Turf Moor it will be a tough game. It is a great place to come to because it is a big ground with a good atmosphere and a lovely surface."

It is the first meeting between the two sides since a 0-0 draw at Turf Moor as Walsall won promotion to Division One in 1999.

"They made a swift return to the second division, passing promoted Burnley on the way, and Ternent said: "They came up and went down but have done particularly well to bounce straight back."

Such has been the turnaround at Turf Moor that, with Gordon Armstrong suspended, Graham Branch injured and Andy Payton likely to be on the bench, only skipper Steve Davis is set to remain in the starting line-up from that day.

That match was his first for Burnley following his return from Luton and Ternent admitted: "The players have come a long way since then and I feel we are still getting better."

Ternent's key selection question is who should partner Davis at the back in the absence of Armstrong. As ever the manager will keep his cards close to his chest until an hour before kick off but he admitted he at least had options.

"Lee Briscoe is doing well, Coxy (Ian Cox) is getting nearer and Mitchell (Thomas) did well for the reserves the other night," he said.

Walsall boss Ray Graydon has a number of injury problems to deal with, although centre back Andy Tillson hopes to have recovered from the leg injury that kept him out of the Worthington Cup tie at Bolton.

Goalkeeper Lee Harper gashed his knee in that game but was likely to be replaced by first choice James Walker anyway. Midfielder Dean Keates injured his ankle in the defeat at Crewe last week but Don Goodman is likely to be fit after an Achilles' problem suffered in the same match.

After the minute's silence, which will be held before kick-off, both sides will be desperate to achieve their differing aims, Burnley the win to keep them top, Walsall to get something to move them away from the bottom.

But, no matter what the score at 4.45pm, surely everyone at Turf Moor, both on and off the pitch, will be able to put the result in perspective.

As Clarets boss Ternent stressed, it really is only a game.