FORMER Clarets striker Kevin Henderson returns to Turf Moor tonight determined to show Burnley what they're missing.

Henderson will spearhead Hartlepool United's attack in the Worthington Cup clash 15 months after being shown the door at Burnley.

And the 26-year-old would love nothing more than to score on his old stamping ground.

He said: "I'm desperate for that goal. It would mean a lot and we want to get through.

"I don't feel I have a point to prove but I just want to show Stan that he made a mistake, in my eyes.

"I felt I deserved more of a chance and didn't get it. He wanted his own men in, although as they got promoted last season you can't argue with that."

Henderson was signed from non-league Morpeth Town by Chris Waddle but was released when his contract ran out after Stan Ternent's first season in charge.

He was used 14 times as a substitute in League games during his Turf Moor career, scoring once against Lincoln City and also against Carlisle in the Auto Windscreens Shield.

But he found the net eight times with Hartlepool last season and after scoring against Chesterfield in Division Three on Saturday goes into tonight's first round, first leg in good spirits.

He added: "I can't wait. The draw came out when we were in Norway and I couldn't believe it. Of all the teams, that was the one I wanted.

"I want to go back there to see the people, to play at Turf Moor and to play against Burnley.

"I hope a few people remember me and that I was whole-hearted when I was there."

The Clarets have moved on a level since Henderson's departure and will be overwhelming favourites to improve on a dismal recent record in the competition.

But Henderson isn't ready to throw in the towel.

He said: "A lot of people will say we don't have a chance but if we go in with the right attitude and the togetherness we showed last season we could surprise a few people.

"It also depends on how Burnley approach it. If they think it's just Hartlepool and it will be no problem they could be in for a rude awakening.

"But with them only playing two games so far I'm sure he'll stick with a winning team after making a good start and I think Stan will see it as a chance to progress and make some money."

Burnley will be at near full strength with only Lennie Johnrose and Chris Brass still injured as Dean West returns to the squad after a back injury.

And boss Ternent is looking to continue an impressive start to the season.

He said: "It's important to keep playing well and hopefully winning matches which breeds confidence.

"Burnley haven't done well in this cup for years, long before I came, and it's about time we did.

"It (the cup) has its own perils with injuries and suspensions but everybody wants a good cup run. Winning any type of football match and continuity is good for team confidence.

"We'll be expected to win the tie but it won't be just as easy as that.

"It will be a tough match because it's a big game for Hartlepool. They will be hoping they can get a run cup because their need is great as well. We will treat them with total respect but try and beat them, obviously."

The Jimmy McIlroy Stand won't be open for the game.

Burnley from: Crichton, Weller, Briscoe, Cox, Davis, Thomas, Little, Ball, Cooke, Gray, Cook, Payton, Mellon, Branch, Mullin, Jepson, West, Lee, Armstrong, Smith.

Hartlepool: Hollund, Knowles, Sharp, Ferguson, Westwood, Robinson, Fitzpatrick, Stephenson, Miller, Lormor, Henderson, Shilton, Midgley, McAvoy, Arnison, Tennebo.