BACK-IN-FAVOUR Mark Winstanley has a double incentive to ensure Burnley's progress in the Auto Windscreens Shield against Notts County at Turf Moor tonight.

The Clarets defender, operating on a week-to-week contract, has played his part in successive home League wins after ending a 16-game spell on the sidelines.

He is now out to convince manager Chris Waddle that he should remain a permanent fixture in the side and relive a few cup memories at the same time.

Winstanley was in the Bolton side that won the Auto Windscreens Shield, then called the Leyland Daf Trophy, against Torquay in 1989.

And along with the three promotions he enjoyed as a Bolton player, Winstanley rates that Wembley final as the pinnacle of his career.

"People knock this competition but at the end of it could be a Wembley appearance," he said.

"Whether it's the FA Cup, the League Cup or the Auto Windscreens Shield it's playing at Wembley which is a dream come true." Victory at the third time of asking against Third Division leaders County-the tie having twice fallen victim to the weather-will earn Burnley a home third round clash with holders Carlisle United.

More pressing, however, is Winstanley's desire to stay in Waddle's plans and continue his return to match fitness with another full game.

He added: "I am on a week-to-week so I want to prove that I am worth a contract, if not to him then whoever. I know I am a good defender and can do a job."

Winstanley's return to the defence has coincided with an upturn in Burnley's fortunes, if not League position, with successive home games producing wins over Watford and Southend and two clean sheets.

Free-scoring County will put that record to the test, however, despite their current Third Division status.

"Sam Allardyce has got them working well and they are running away with the League," acknowledged Winstanley, who puts Burnley's improvement down to a more steely approach.

"We have always been full of belief. We needed to knuckle down and put a foot in. In the last three games we have played football and got stuck in.

"It's not just a question of keeping our home form going. We are really enjoying it."

None more so than Winstanley, who knows the first team is the only place to be.

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