CHRIS Brass is hoping to get the all-clear to feature in the latest instalment of Burnley's relegation drama at Oldham Athletic tomorrow.

Brass ended up in hospital with mild concussion following a clash of heads in the Clarets 3-1 win over Colchester on Monday.

But after being checked over by medical staff he was optimistic of being able to retain his place in the Burnley defence.

And barring any late reaction during or after training today he should chalk up his sixth successive appearance alongside Steve Davis at the heart of the Clarets back-line.

"We'll see how he is but it's up to the doctors. There's just a question mark over Brassy," confirmed Burnley boss Stan Ternent, who reported an otherwise clean bill of health for a fourth game in a row against a relegation rival.

Brian Reid, who lost his place to Brass when injuring a knee against Manchester City, has been on the bench for the last two games and would be a ready-made replacement if Brass is advised to sit this one out.

And striker Andy Cooke also makes a welcome return to the fold following his appendix operation at the start of last month.

"They are all fit and available and they will be in the squad," confirmed Ternent, whose only absentees with a chance of playing again this season are Peter Swan and Mark Robertson. Any return for Cooke is likely to come from the bench at best as he won't be rushed back into action and there are no pressing needs to make changes.

The Clarets have won two and drawn the other of the games they have faced so far in a critical spell against sides around them in the table to open up a five-point gap between themselves and the bottom four.

However, Oldham are only one point above the relegation trapdoor and with just one win in 10 games they are desperate for maximum points tomorrow.

"They need to win the match so it's got the makings of a good derby," added Ternent, whose side is closing in on the manager's 50-point safety target.

"Three more wins would be smashing and it would be nice to get them sooner rather than later."

The Boundary Park clash will be Paul Cook's last game of his first month on loan from Stockport County but Ternent is hoping to have extended the midfielder's stay by the time the Clarets go to Blackpool next Tuesday night.

"I am going to try. I have already spoken to them and I am just waiting to hear," Ternent said. Oldham, who have lost 10 home games this season, will have Lee Duxbury back in central midfield in place of the suspended John Sheridan.

And manager Andy Ritchie is expected to give a debut to on-loan Sunderland striker Paul Beavers.

Tomorrow's game is pay-at-the-gate with prices £12 for adults and £6 concessions.

Burnley from: Crichton, Pickering, Cowan, Mellon, Davis, Brass, Little, Armstrong, Cook, Payton, Johnrose, Branch, Reid, Jepson, Cook.

Oldham from: Kelly, Mardon, Hold, Garnett, Rickers, Innes, Gray, Duxbury, Tipton, Beavers, Reid, Allott, Whitehall, McNiven, Hotte.

Of the sides slugging it out with Burnley in the relegation fight, Northampton Town look to have the most winnable game tomorrow. The Cobblers' home form has been poor but they need to take three points from Luton Town at the Sixfields Stadium to build on a four-point Easter weekend.

Two others in the bottom four face tough games with Macclesfield entertaining Preston and Lincoln going to Manchester City.

Wycombe, the fourth side currently in the drop zone, have a chance at Wrexham, while York need to make home advantage count against Millwall.

Colchester's slide could continue at home to second-placed Walsall and of the other threatened teams, Bristol Rovers face a difficult game at Stoke as they bid to arrest their recent slump.

Second-placed Burnley 'A' continue their challenge for the Lancashire League title when they entertain Macclesfield Town reserves at Gawthorpe tomorrow (kick-off 11am).

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