RUSHDEN and Diamonds enter arguably the second biggest game in the Northamptonshire club's history at Turf Moor tonight.

Their moments in the spotlight have increased over recent seasons as they have climbed the non-League pyramid, but outside of circles away from the Nationwide League really only an FA Cup adventure against Leeds United has planted them firmly in the limelight.

However, promotion into the third division brought with it the instant access to the big boys that the Worthington Cup provides and providence decreed that Turf Moor would be their first round destination.

It is a huge test for a side who, boosted by the millions that benefactor Max Griggs of the Doctor Marten's shoe empire, have made a relatively rapid rise from obscurity.

But the Diamonds are shaping up to show they are no fakes and their first steps in the Football League have confirmed that they have all the facets to cut it - four points from two games being an encouraging start.

And into the bargain they have Brian Talbot at the helm, a man who has seen success at the very top with both Ipswich Town and Arsenal.

Talbot was definitely looking forward to testing his side against the Clarets and said: "It's a difficult tie for us going to Turf Moor.

"Burnley are a big club, with big support, but we will go there with confidence.

"We have nothing to fear, nothing to lose and we will give it a good go."

And for the Diamonds the chance of an upset in one of football's traditional homes is a huge incentive.

"The competition is important to all lower league clubs as it gives them a chance to play the bigger boys," he added.

"It's all about the excitement and romance of beating those bigger clubs.

"The fans love it and it can bring some financial reward for the lower division sides."

For Talbot his time at Rushden has seen many of his aims achieved, but he feels there is plenty more to come.

"When I first arrived at the club I thought we could get into the Football League," he said.

"I wanted to make it a full-time club and make it a proper football club. We've done that and got into the League.

"I can't say how far we can go, but I do know that the players we have got at the moment have got to establish themselves at this level.

"If they don't then they will be replaced, but they certainly deserve the opportunity."

And Talbot feels that the target the club has to set is to join Burnley in the first division.

"The structure around the club is first division standard," he enthushed.

"Whether we will achive that on the pitch is something we will have to wait to see, but we are up for it.

"Hopefully, slowly but surely, we will move on to greater heights than the third division."

Diamonds (possible): Turley, Mustafa, Underwood, Carey, Peters, Rodwell, Butterworth, Brady, Jackson, Patmore, Gray. Subs: Darby, Mills, Pennock, Setchell, Solkhon.