CHRIS Waddle has welcomed some old faces back into the first team dressing room, working on the theory that familiarity doesn't need to breed contempt - rather it can boost confidence.

Mark Winstanley and Jamie Hoyland are just two of the players who must have felt their Turf Moor careers were coming to a rapid end earlier this season.

And Gerry Harrison and Damian Matthew could also come into that category.

But events have proved that there is still an important part for them all to play in Burnley's battle for Second Division survival.

Harrison re-established himself in the side as part of a back line of three central defenders and Matthew, who almost joined Northampton at Christmas, is now restored to midfield.

Further evidence that Waddle is prepared to use every asset available to him in the fight to stay up came with the re-emergence of Winstanley as an important member of defence and also the inclusion in the last two squads of Hoyland. The latter could easily have moved on, following a loan spell, but could now figure in some crucial games on the relegation run-in.

Waddle, for one, must be glad he still has players like that at his disposal.

He said: "There are a lot of experienced players like Jamie Hoyland and Mark Winstanley here who know the score and know the club.

"All the lads realise we are in a fight and the spirit in the team is very strong.

"You need people like them who are well liked and respected in the changing room.

"They make the others feel comfortable."

"It took the new faces some time to settle in and get to know each other but being around people you know helps give you a bit of confidence.

"We are all in it together over the next few months. It won't just be about 11 players but about the whole squad.

"Everybody wants to play but there are only 11 shirts. We all have to roll up our sleeves and fight our way out of this situation."

Apart from keeping Burnley in the Second Division, a number of players also have their own personal cause to fight. It could well be that some will be moving on in summer and they will be in the shop window, aiming to impress.

"They have to show me, and anyone else who might be watching, what they can do," added Waddle.

"There will be injuries, suspensions and loss of form between now and the end of the season and that gives others a chance.

"With a lot of players throughout the game whose contracts are up, there is going to be a big scramble for players in the summer."

Meanwhile, Waddle is not too hopeful of adding to his own squad in the immediate future, unless he can come up with another swap deal, or find a free transfer signing.

"We are still looking round but, at the moment, I think we have to get on with what we have got," he said.

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