BURNLEY-based Paul Barnes is keen to sicken his old mates in Boxing Day's derby showdown.

The evergreen striker still has many friends at the Turf Moor club but all sentiment will be dropped when hostilities begin at 3pm on Sunday.

"I cook for half of their lads when they pop into my place for tea," said Barnes. "I can't wait for the game and there's sure to be a great atmosphere.

"We are all are looking forward to the game and I'm sure the Burnley boys will be as well.

"They will be full of confidence and bring about 5,000 fans with them so it's sure to be a superb occasion."

Barnes made himself a real crowd favourite with the Clarets faithful when he bagged five goals in a game against their big rivals Stockport County a few seasons ago.

But he'll be out to spoil their Christmas on Sunday after getting back on the goal trail in the 2-0 victory at Scunthorpe last Saturday.

"There's a good spirit in our side but there has been all year and now's the time to make the season happen or it will just fade away into nothing.

"And what better way to kick-start the season with a win over Burnley!"

For caretaker bosses Andy Preece and Steve Redmond there is better news on the selection front.

Midfield battler Darren Bullock is available after his one game suspension while Chris Billy (groin) and Lutel James (ankle) have both recovered from knocks.

A doubt still remains over leading scorer Ian Lawson (hip) who trained for the first time this week while Sam Collins (dislocated shoulder) and Dean Barrick (groin) will definitely be missing. Preece believes Shakers supporters can play a big part in Sunday's clash even though they'll probably be outnumbered by the Burnley hordes.

"Our fans were as loud as I'd heard them at Scunthorpe," he said. "They really got behind the lads and it was appreciated.

"Hopefully that's the way it will continue and if they're as good on Boxing Day then we'll have no problems."

Burnley boss Stan Ternent, possibly Bury's most successful manager ever, has fond memories of his time at the the club, which, of course, included two back-to-back promotion years.

"Bury are a fantastic club with a terrific chairman. They're lovely people," said Ternent. "I had four very successful years there. It's a smashing club, but when the ball moves on Sunday it's war. We need to win the game if we possibly can."

The Clarets' first team squad is packed with former Bury players with Dean West, Gordon Armstrong, Ronnie Jepson, Lennie Johnrose and Peter Swan all keen to make it a successful return to Gigg.

On the selection front midfield man Paul Cook is suspended and striker Andy Cooke has been struggling with an Achilles injury, but should be fit to partner 10-goal leading scorer Andy Payton up front.

The Shakers this week swooped to bring in Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Cartwright as back-up for regular 'keeper Paddy Kenny.

After Kevin Blackwell joined Neil Warnock at Sheffield United the club have been short of goalkeeping cover and 26-year-old Cartwright, a former Welsh Under-21 international.

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