IN-FORM striker Andy Cooke is gunning for FA Cup revenge against Rotherham United as Burnley look to book their place in the third round of the competition for the first time in three years.

Cooke is likely to be the only player in Burnley's starting line-up for tomorrow's clash at Turf Moor who played in a 3-0 first-round replay defeat by Rotherham two years ago.

And the Clarets' frontman, cleared to play despite getting six stitches in a head wound last weekend, is desperate to make amends.

"That was disappointing," he recalled. "It was a very good game and a 3-3 draw at their place. We were very hopeful going back to Burnley but it was a disaster.

"That has crossed my mind. But we are a lot stronger now. We've never really had a good run in any cup competition for a while and it would be great to get a half-decent run going."

Burnley are indeed better equipped nowadays to mount an FA Cup challenge in tandem with their efforts to get out of Division Two.

However, the Clarets won't take the threat of the Third Division promotion candidates lightly.

Cooke added: "I know Steve Thompson and they are a strong side. They're no mugs, they are doing well in their division and I think they will probably be stronger than Barnet. And Cup games are always difficult because League form doesn't really count."

But confidence won't be in short supply in the Burnley camp given their run of three successive home wins without conceding a goal. And Cooke in particular is on top of his game with four goals in seven starts since returning from injury.

"When you are getting a few goals and you're on a bit of a run you do feel like you'll get a goal in every game," he admitted.

"But what's important is that other players are taking the pressure off me and Andy Payton. We are getting goals from all over which is great."

Sunday tea-time's third-round draw and the chance to take on Premiership opposition awaits tomorrow's winners, and one lucky loser thanks to the Axa 'wild-card' draw.

And naturally Stan Ternent hopes his side will be one of the 63 names going into the hat.

"The Cup's very important to us," said the Burnley boss, whose spending power could be increased by a lucrative third-round draw.

"It's a special day. The first-round proper was and this is because the prize is going into the hat with the big boys.

"There's a lot at stake. It will be a tough match. They are near the top of their League, they're doing well and the last time they were here they won 3-0. But we will be well prepared for it." Burnley are likely to be unchanged with Chris Brass and Paul Weller, two more survivors from the last time Rotherham were at Turf Moor, expected to remain on the bench.

Rotherham, third in Division Three and who lost for the first time in six games last Friday night, may also be unchanged.

Burnley from: Crichton, West, Armstrong, Mellon, Davis, Thomas, Little, Cook, Cooke, Payton, Mullin, Jepson, Branch, Brass, Johnrose, Weller, Lee, Robertson.

Rotherham from: Pollitt, Wilsterman, Varty, Dillon, Scott, Watson, Thompson, Garner, Berry, Fortune-West, Warne, Sedgewick, Ingledow, Martindale, Pettinger, Turner.

Supporters requiring concessions for tomorrow's game are advised to buy their ticket in advance to avoid long queues before kick-off. The ticket office is open until 7pm tonight.

Tickets for next Saturday's game at Wigan went on open sale this morning.

The Clarets youth team are at home to Blackpool in the Youth Alliance Cup tomorrow morning.

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