CHRIS Waddle has believed for much of a beleaguered season that he needed a new-look strike force.

And Saturday's stunning victory over Second Division promotion favourites Watford - when change was finally made - not only re-inforced the manager's view but also provided concrete evidence to the fans that it could be the catalyst for a revival in Turf Moor fortunes.

Andy Cooke was the man handed the task of spearheading the new partnership with his player-manager and was a huge success, with the two goals which knocked Watford off the table.

And now the abrasive striker will be turned loose on another table-topping side, Notts County at Turf Moor tonight, as he bids to bow out with a bang before starting a two-match ban this weekend.

Yet, it could so easily have been Paul Barnes wearing the number nine shirt against Watford, instead of negotiating a move to Huddersfeild Town to allow Andy Payton to travel in the opposite direction and join his hometown club.

For Waddle has made it perfectly plain that, while he has long wanted to change the front two pairing, it wasn't down to any particular grudge he had against either of them.

The fact was that, in his mind, Cooke and Barnes were simply too similar to succeed.

Cooke helped Waddle prove a point against Watford on Saturday and he will probably have another new partner as he attempts to do it again this evening.

Waddle willingly explains his thoughts about a tactical switch which has concerned him for some time - ever since Gerry Creaney's premature departure. "I was not having a go at the two strikers (Cooke and Barnes) and it could have been Barney up there on Saturday," he said.

"They are two honest lads and people tell me they scored goals together at the end of last season.

"But that was the end of a season. The way we play and want to play, we needed to change it.

"They both like to get in the box and take up similar positions, so we miss out on link play or going down the flanks. On Saturday we tried to keep Cookey in the box, higher up the field where he can be a threat.

"When you get two players who are both goalscorers, you normally find one outscores the other because they concentrate on different things. But they are too similar and like to take up similar positions.

"I think we probably surprised a few people with the line-up but I have played there before on and off with Newcastle, Spurs and Bradford."

Now Waddle has a pairing of Cooke and Payton in his mind but it will have to wait. Cooke will miss the next two League games after collecting five cautions and the manager still has to complete the Payton deal. Cooke, however, seems certain to start this evening and, with Waddle a doubt after picking up a knock against Watford, it could be the perfect opportunity for another player to make an impression up front.

An Auto Windscreens tie with Notts County at Turf Moor hardly represents the most important occasion in Burnley's season.

But if they could put together back-to-back wins against the top team in Division Two, followed by the Third Division leaders, it would certainly give a massive boost to the squad's confidence as they prepare for a tough trip to Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

There is a lot at stake for individuals, as well as the team, in every game Burnley play at the moment.

This might be a minor competition but, with a home draw against Carlisle awaiting the winners in the next round and no other cup involvement to clog up the fixture list, a victory would be more than welcome to the Burnley faithful.

Only the Bob Lord and Endsleigh Stands will be open tonight, with admission prices reduced to £7 adults, £3 concessions. It is all pay at the turnstiles.

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