BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent is desperate for derby-day deliverance to give the fans the prize they want the most.
The Clarets head for Ewood Park tomorrow looking to avenge last December's 2-0 defeat to arch-rivals Blackburn Rovers.
Victory would cap an impressive first season back in Division One for Ternent's men. And the Clarets manager would love to bring the points back to Turf Moor.
He said: "I would dearly like to win this game -- most of all for the fans. If we could win that would be smashing. That would be a real good season for the fans and everyone.
"We haven't won a derby match yet. It's about time to put the record straight."
Burnley have lost to Blackburn, Preston and Bolton so far this season but with back-to-back games to come against Rovers and North End, midfield leader Kevin Ball is just as keen as his boss to balance the books.
He said: "That would be nice. I think consolidation was the important factor this year. We've done very well as of now. We've still got nine games to go, there's still an outside chance of us getting in the play-offs and the nine games are there to be won.
"But it would be nice to finish the season with a derby win. We've got a couple left and we'll be going all out to have a go in them."
Tomorrow's high-noon shoot-out is a massive occasion for both sets of supporters.
And Ternent stressed the need for it to go off peacefully in a repeat of the first meeting between the clubs in 17 years when there was no crowd trouble at Turf Moor.
He added: "In the first game they were a credit to both clubs. I think from the Burnley fans' point of view they have a good reputation around the country and it's the same for Blackburn Rovers. Let's keep it that way and let's be well thought of."
Promotion-chasing Rovers are chasing a 13th-home League win of the season and could move back up to second place if they complete the double and Bolton lose at home to Wimbledon this afternoon. However Burnley, who recently ended their winless streak away from home at Watford, will revive their slim play-off hopes if they can upset the form book and stun Graeme Souness's in-form side.
"We've achieved our objective but that doesn't mean we aren't interested in anything else that's happening," stressed Ternent.
"It is possible for us to get in the play-offs. That it is a possibility so anything that's possible is achievable if you have the balls to go out and do it and the guts to do it.
"Sunday represents a big opportunity for my players to put one across Blackburn. They won't need any motivation. It's on television and they are playing against what I consider to be, at this moment in time, the best team in the division, so it's all there for us."
Ternent was set to give late checks to Lee Briscoe and Ian Cox and could recall Cox following World Cup duty if he opts to play with three central defenders.
Burnley from: Michopoulos, Weller, Branch, Briscoe, Thomas, Cox, Davis, Little, Ball, Cook, Smith, Moore, Taylor, Payton, Mullin, Maylett, Armstrong, West, Crichton.
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