Luton Town v Burnley - Tony Dewhurst's big match preview

LENNIE Lawrence is back in business after Luton Town's worst-ever start to a Second Division campaign.

And the welcome return of ex-Clarets skipper Steve Davis has sparked a rise in fortunes at Kenilworth Road.

Lawrence began the season without first choice goalkeeper Ian Feuer - Luton's man of the match at Turf Moor last season - and the whole of his regular back four.

And no less than 20 players have been on the treatment table since August.

"I've had many years in football, but I could never remember an injury situation like that," said Lawrence.

"Things have eased now but for the first month I was playing kids in the side.

"Subsequently our results suffered and we've struggled at the wrong end of table since."

A 4-0 hammering by deadly rivals Watford and another crushing home defeat - 5-2 to Wrexham - accentuated Lawrence's problems.

"Like Burnley, we are starting to find a little bit of form now," he added.

"Our draw at Wycombe (2-2) means we have got 17 points - and that puts us just five points behind York who are in a play-off place.

"That is how close the Second Division is this season. "However, I don't believe there is any way either ourselves or Burnley will be in the bottom eight at the end of the season.

"In fact I think both clubs can still challenge for a play-off spot. I really do believe that.

"We had Burnley watched on Saturday against Walsall and the report we had back is that they are starting to get things together now and playing some very good football.

"Chris Waddle has a hard job there, especially as he is still playing.

"The weight of expectation at that club is massive. I've always felt that the tradition at Burnley weighs heavily on the club.

"Just look at the crowds they've pulled in this season. While they have probably drawn too many home games, they haven't lost since September and I know they will provide us with a stern test tonight."

But Lawrence singled out Davis (who begins a three-match suspension after tonight's clash with Burnley) for special praise.

"Having Steve back in the side has given everybody a tremendous lift and I know he will be anxious to do well against his old club, Burnley. "Steve has produced some outstanding form recently.

"He is an excellent and dependable player who always give his all and I know how much tonight's game will mean to him.

"We are still without Mitchell Thomas and Feuer so Steve's experience at the back has proved vital to us."

Lawrence's major summer signing was Simon Davies, a £200,000 buy from Manchester United.

But the midfielder has so far failed to live up to early expectations and only made the bench at Adams Park on Saturday.

Lawrence has also drafted in defender Alan White, £40,000 from Middlesbrough.

Ex-Sunderland forward, Phil Gray, a £400,000 buy from Dutch side Fortuna Sittard is back with the club.

Although his partnership with eight-goal leading scorer Tony Thorpe is taking time to flourish.

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