Soccer: Parky's derby delight

The former Burnley defender, now at Preston -- the Clarets opponents on Saturday -- scored what should have been a memorable goal which lifted the Clarets into the First Division in the play-off final against Stockport in 1994.

The Clarets won 2-1 but 'Parky' can remember none of it.

"The only thing I can remember is jumping over the barrier to celebrate and David Eyres hugging me," admitted the 32-year-old.

"I can't remember if it was the first or second goal, that's how much of a blur it was. All I knew was it meant a lot.

"It was one of the high points of my career. It was a great day for everyone concerned with Burnley."

But Parkinson admits the following season was equally as memorable for the wrong reasons.

"We got promoted and then were relegated the next season under Jimmy Mullen. There was all the euphoria of promotion then the next season it was 'whammy' and we were back where we started.

"It hit me hard and sets the club back a few years. It is the worst feeling. Promotion is much nicer!"

Parkinson, after being on a short-term contract in his final year at Turf Moor, left to join Preston in a £50,000 deal in 1997.

"The first 18 months I played regularly for Preston, it was great, and then I injured my cruciate ligaments and was out for 12 months.

"That was as serious an injury as you're going to get in football but it was either have the operation or not play again and I didn't want to do that.

"I think I've shown in the last three games that I've made a full comeback." The defender has had limited chances since his injury but played the last three matches with regular right back Graham Alexander suspended.

"I hope I've done enough to seal my place against Burnley. You don't count your chickens but I think I've done okay.

"We had a good victory over Watford, we lost at West Brom which was a tough match and then drew at Fulham last weekend. I just hope I can keep my place, especially for this one with the added spice of it being my former club."

There are still a few faces at Turf Moor which Parkinson knows from his time there. "I've still got friends in Burnley and happy memories from my five or six seasons there.

"On the playing side, I know Steve Davis, Chris Brass, Paul Smith and Paul Weller from playing atTurf Moor and Andy Payton from my time at Middlesbrough.

"Payts is a great player and his record is there for everyone to see. He is a dangerous player and it's all set up for a cracking tie."

More so as both were tipped by some, after gaining automatic promotion last season, to be involved in the relegation battle this season and not be up there, as both are, challenging for a play-off spot.

"Both teams have had an excellent start to the season, we've both carried off where we left off last season and seem to be enjoying the challenge," said Parkinson, who also lists Bolton among his former clubs.

"We're hovering in the top ten or top five but you know if you lose a few in this division there can be a big drop. It's very tight and I think we want to get to the magical figure of about 42 points to be sure we're okay."

And he's looking to add three more to Preston's 35-point tally at Deepdale on Saturday -- even if it means he has to withstand more comments from the visiting fans which comes with the territory of playing against your former club.

"I think there is going to be a great atmosphere. Burnley always get a good following and there will be over 2,000 travelling fans there.

"Last time I played for Preston against Burnley I got a good reception but you are always prepared for a bit of stick. I don't let anything like that affect me though, I just get on with it. I also expect a few tackles to be flying!"

For the record, Parkinson scored the second play-off goal against Stockport in the 66th minute.

David Eyres had equalised for Burnley in the 29th minute after Chris Beaumont had put County ahead in the second minute.

Picture: Gary Parkinson, right, celebrates his goal at Wembley with David Eyres