CHRIS Waddle didn't beat about the bush as he prepared his players for tomorrow's crunch Second Division relegation clash with Southend United at Turf Moor - "We have got to win this one."

The Burnley player-manager is under no illusions as to the importance of tomorrow's game.

Southend stand just three points above Burnley from a game more and are actually just outside the relegation zone.

So victory could make a vast difference to Turf Moor hopes of pulling off a great escape.

There is unlikely to be much change to the Burnley team, with striker Andy Payton making his long-awaited home debut for the club after a promising start at Bristol Rovers.

And Waddle appears the likliest candidate to partner him in attack against Southend, who have lost their last four matches.

The manager is pinning his hopes on Burnley's ability to win their home games. That would seem to offer the greatest prospect of getting out of trouble and Waddle is demanding a repeat of the last Turf Moor performance against Watford.

"We have to carry that form into the game and beat Southend," said the boss.

"It will be a good boost psychologically if we can get off the bottom and with the games the others are playing it is a great opportunity for us. "Everybody talks about how many points will be needed to stay up but we know we have to win our home games.

"Southend aren't having a good time and we have to repeat the high tempo and commitment of the Watford match."

Burnley will miss Andy Cooke, who is absent completing his two-match suspension.

But they will look to Payton to produce the firepower needed to start climbing the table.

Waddle doesn't write off Southend, despite their recent slump, but he also knows that if Burnley can beat Watford, they can tackle any Second Division side at Turf Moor with confidence.

Michael Williams seems to have shaken off his ankle injury but might need a game before figuring in the first team again. Lee Howey, however, is still no nearer a return to action.

The defender, in fact, will see a specialist about the pelvic problem which has kept him out.

Burnley are expected to choose the starting line-up from the 14 players who were on duty at Bristol Rovers last Saturday.

They were: Beresford, Brass, Moore, Harrison, Winstanley, Smith, Little, Matthew, Ford, Waddle, Payton, Hoyland, Robertson, Blatherwick.

Southend have hit the rocks in recent weeks, losing a string of vital games, including relegation clashes with Carlisle, Luton and Wycombe. But they could well be at their strongest for some time tomorrow with players back from injury and suspension and two new boys likely to figure.

Apart from Richard Jobson, signed on loan from Leeds, Southend have snapped up Tottenham youngster Kevin Maher on a free transfer subject to medicals.

He can play in either defence or midfield and will figure if there are no problems to delay the move.

Manager Alvin Martin will also have forwards Jeroen Boere and Sada N'diaye available again.

Dutchman Boere has been out through suspension and injury, while Frenchman N'diaye has also been banned.

They will choose from: Southall, Hails, Stimson, Coulbalt, Harris, Dublin, Jones, Gridelet, Rammell, Thomson, Clarke, Nielsen, Fitzpatrick, Perkins, Jobson, Boere, N'diaye, Maher.

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