Clarets put fear into Rotherham boss

Moore brings his Third Division side to Turf Moor on Saturday for a second-round clash.

And after doing his homework by watching the Clarets beat Blackpool 1-0 last Sunday, he confessed: "They were excellent. If they had got one early on they would have got six and there was only one side going to win it.

"I'm sorry I went. They frightened the life out of me.

"Stan looks like he's getting it right and if I was a betting man, without wanting to put a jinx on them, I would be putting money on them to go up.

"We will go there as the underdogs because they are absolutely flying at the moment."

However, despite his remarks, Moore, who masterminded a Rotherham win in the Cup at Turf Moor two years ago, won't write off the chances of another upset with his in-form side currently mounting a promotion challenge of their own.

He added: "I'm very pleased, more so with not conceding goals. That was the big thing because in the previous two years we've conceded 60-odd each season and if you're going to concede that many you're not going to win the League or finish in the top three.

"Having said that, it's sod's law we'll probably ending up getting beaten by four on Saturday!" The Millers hadn't conceded a goal in six games prior to a shock home defeat by Leyton Orient last Friday night.

And they are also the joint top-scorers in Division Three.

"We always threaten to get a goal because the lads up front work their socks off," Moore said.

"Paul Warne, who came from Wigan, should be playing Second Division football he's so bright and cute, but he didn't come into the game until he was 22. "And Leo-Fortune West is always a handful for anybody.

"Darren Garner has also got seven goals from midfield but we are not kidding ourselves. I have seen Burnley and I know how well they are playing defensively.

"They've also got two good wingers, although I know John Mullin isn't a natural winger and likes to cut in.

"And the two strikers were nice and sharp (last Sunday) and could have got another couple of goals."

But Moore added: "We know what to expect. We are looking forward to it and it will be a nice chance to relax away from the League games.

"We are the underdogs and we will enjoy our day out. We should bring around 1,500 so hopefully there will be a good crowd and we will make a show.

"We are not coming to get battered. We know we can play if Burnley allow us to and people like Steve Thompson can pass for fun.

"If we can stifle the crowd they can turn quite quickly. The longer they go without scoring the more the crowd will get frustrated."

Burnley are likely to be unchanged from the side that chalked up a third successive home win without conceding a goal last weekend.

Andy Cooke had six stitches inserted in a head wound he sustained in the last minute against Blackpool but has trained this week and will play.

And he will again partner leading scorer Andy Payton, who is going nowhere. "He's an integral part of my team," insisted boss Stan Ternent.

Tom Cowan returned to full training this week but may not yet be ready to challenge for a place on the bench.

Paul Smith is still on the injured list but Mark Robertson is expected back from Australian international duty tonight and he could give Ternent an extra option in his squad if required.

Meanwhile, X-rays have revealed that young midfielder Eammon Kelly didn't break a leg in Tuesday night's reserve-team win over West Bromwich Albion.

The first-year professional was hurt by an over-the-top tackle and will be out of action for a while as he receives treatment.

Burnley Supporters Club travel details for Reading next Wednesday night are: Leave Colne 1pm, Nelson 1.10, Queensgate 1.20, Turf Moor 1.30, Tim Bobbin 1.35, Rawtenstall 1.50. Prices: members £13.50, non-members 15.50, concessions £11.50. Bookings: Fraser Eagle 01254 231100 (day), Trevor Bartley (01282) 455340 (evenings).

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