Coca-Cola Cup (2nd rnd 2nd leg): Stoke City v Burnley - Tony Dewhurst's big match preview

GERRY Creaney will end his 18 months of torment at the Britannia Stadium tonight.

If Creaney is named in Burnley's team for the Coca-Cola Cup tie, it will bring the curtain down on a year and half in the wilderness for the ex-Scotland Under-21 international.

Creaney made his Burnley debut in the white-hot atmosphere of a Lancashire derby against Preston North End at the start of a month's loan with the Clarets.

And the indications are that the striker will spearhead the Clarets attack against a Stoke City side boasting a thumping 4-0 advantage from the first leg at Turf Moor eight days ago.

"All I've wanted to do in the past 18 months is play first team football and I've not had that chance," said Creaney.

"It is very kind of Chris Waddle to come in and offer me this and I would love to repay him with goals.

"If Chris would like to sign me at the end of the month then I'd definitely like to sit down with him and discuss it.

"First and foremost, though, this is an opportunity to resurrect my career and an opening to play first team football again."

Creaney has seen a succession of managers go through the Maine Road exit doors since the forward was signed by City as part of a the £1.1 million deal which took Paul Walsh to Portsmouth in 1995.

And with City boss Frank Clark clearing the Maine Road decks, Creaney could be about to open a new chapter in his career. The writing was on the wall when Clark signed Lee Bradbury from Portsmouth in the summer and Creaney has since joined Alan Kernaghan, Nigel Clough and Chris Greeancre out on loan, reducing the weekly wage bill by around £7,000.

"It certainly didn't happen for me at Manchester City and the transfer never worked out," he admitted.

"I've missed 18 months of my career under five different managers and that is a lot to miss in any footballer's career.

"Although I made just handful of appearances last season I never lost belief in my ability.

"It was not because of injury or any factor that I did not play. There was no undercurrent or anything else.

"It was just that the managers did not pick me.

"They had their own thoughts and I just didn't fit in.

"That is a hard one to swallow for any player."

Creaney's goalscoring record at Glasgow Celtic - he found the net 32 times in 60 appearances - attracted the attentions of a host of clubs south of the border. But Portsmouth finally made their move and shelled out £600,000 for his services in 1994. Creaney made an instant impression, scoring 11 goals in 18 matches for Pompey.

"I suppose it is quite difficult to accept when you have scored goals at a high level in the game and then you are constantly overlooked," he added.

"I remember going out on loan to Ipswich Town, really enjoying it and then getting re-called.

"I was put straight back in the reserves and that was very disappointing.

"But this is a new start for me and it was great to start in a local derby against Preston North End.

"That really gave me an impression what the club is like.

"I firmly believe I've still got seven years or more left playing at a decent level."

Manager Chris Waddle has no doubt what alternatives Creaney would offer the Clarets.

"Technically he is a very fine footballer," said Waddle.

"I can't believe he is on a free transfer because a fit Gerry Creaney is a £1 million player.

"The ball is in Gerry's court and he has the enthusiasm and desire to do well.

"If he proves his fitness then there is every chance that we can sort something out with him.

"I have real faith in the lad because I think he is a tremendous player."

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