CHRIS Waddle has some tough decisions to make before tomorrow's game against high-flying Northampton Town at Turf Moor.

But whoever the Burnley player-manager sends out to face a difficult challenge the orders will undoubtedly be the same - restore some pride to a club which has hit the rocks on the back of three successive League defeats and an FA Cup humiliation.

Mark Ford and Gerry Harrison look likely contenders for a recall but Waddle is most concerned about the players giving the fans what they want in terms of performance tomorrow.

"Players have to start winning their individual battles and then you have a chance to go on and win the game," he said.

"The Burnley fans like to see that people are committed and if players do that then I will be the first to defend them.

"Apart from 20 or 25 minutes in the second half against Rotherham, there wasn't a lot of it (commitment) about.

"But if people see them competing, tracking and chasing, I am sure they will accept that.

"If that doesn't happen, we will not accept it and other people will not accept it either."

Waddle wants to make changes but, while he does have a decent squad available, he doesn't have all that many options unless he risks throwing in youngsters.

That is particularly true in attack.

Paul Smith is unlikely to feature after picking up ankle problems in midweek

Burnley are expected to choose from: Beresford, Brass, Blatherwick, Moore, Howey, Weller, Waddle, Cowans, Williams, Cooke, Barnes, Ford, Harrison, Vinnicombe, Carr-Lawton.

Northampton expect to have former Burnley striker John Gayle and ex-Manchester City defender David Brightwell back in the squad.

Neither played in last Saturday's League defeat by leaders Watford but, while Gayle is expected to go straight into the side, Brightwell might have to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench.

In their nine away games so far, only 14 goals have been scored - eight for, six against - and they have suffered just two defeats awayu from Sixfields Stadium.

Manager Ian Atkins, however, is wary of playing a team who have just been beaten at home, expecting a backlash from them.

Northampton are expected to choose from: Woodman, Clarkson, Hill, Warburton, Sampson, Frain, Hunter, Peer, Gayle, Seal, Heggs, Wilson, Gibb, Brightwell, Warner.

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