CLARETS fans will get the chance to check out some of the club's young talent when a Burnley XI travel to Ramsbottom tonight.

Stan Ternent is likely to send a team of first and second year professionals to the Riverside for the annual friendly match (kick off 7.30pm).

The game also gives North West Counties Division One players from Ramsbottom the chance to pit their wits against professionals, and the club have already given assurances that their players will 'behave'.

"A club like Burnley don't send a team of pros to a club like ours to see them kicked all over the place," said club secretary John Maher.

It is the first game at a part-renovated Riverside stadium since the end of last season.

The work has been done to bring the ground up to UniBond League standards as the Rams -- who finished third last season -- harbour hopes of sealing a promotion spot this time.

And the run out against Burnley will provide the test they need before the season kicks off.

"Everyone looks forward to playing against pros," said Kelly. "It will be a big occasion.

"The ground has changed a lot since last season. Harry's had his old tea hut ripped out and a new one built and we've had a wall built and a new entrance put in."

Wrought iron gates are also being erected as a memorial to former manager Ken Bridge, who died of a heart attack at the ground in February.

Ramsbottom are without a game on the opening day of the season, Saturday August 18, because there are an odd number of teams in the league this year due to Rossendale going up to the UniBond and both Congleton and Winsford coming down.

"It gives us an extra week to prepare and to fit an extra friendly in," said Kelly.