ANDY Cooke is enduring the worst week of his soccer life.

The striker will be on the sidelines as Burnley take on Gillingham at Turf Moor tomorrow reflecting on the red card at Notts County in Burnley's final away game of last season.

It meant Cooke has been forced to miss Burnley's opening three games of the campaign.

The bustling striker would have kicked off the new season at Bristol City if a £450,000 deal with Ashton Gate had been rubber-stamped.

Only Adrian Heath's sudden departure to Everton and the subsequent arrival of Chris Waddle at Turf Moor blocked John Ward's intense interest in the 23-year-old.

"I heard little bits of things about Bristol City trying to buy me but when Adrian left I think that was that," reflected Cooke.

"I cannot think of a more frustrating way to start a new season and I cannot put into words my great disappointment of missing the start with Burnley. It's been a terrible week.

"It was heartbreaking to train all through pre-season and then not to make the start.

"The manager has been really good about it. He pulled me to one side and said I've got a future with the club and I'm part of his plans.

"I was very happy with that because I love it at Burnley and I want to progress further here.

"I've never felt as fit in my life and I'm very hungry for a slice of the action. I feel my overall game has improved and my touch is a lot better. "The next chance I have to get involved is at Southend and I'm just praying I will be involved."

Cooke was one of the hottest properties in non-league football when Jimmy Mullen snapped him up from League of Wales side Newtown two years ago.

And further evidence of his progress up the Football League ladder was there for every avid Clarets watcher to see last season.

Cooke got his chance to partner Paul Barnes following the departure of Kurt Nogan to Lancashire rivals Preston North End.

And he did not squander his opportunity, scoring eight times in ten appearances for the Clarets - including a bubbling hat-trick against Watford on the final day of last season.

The pair have definitely found a natural blend and balance in attack and Barnes recognises Cooke's contribibution.

"You always know what your are going to get from Cookey," observed Barnes.

"He gives it everything he has got and you always appreciate that when you are working alongside him."

Cooke's absence left manager Chris Waddle with a striking predicament as he finalised his plans for the big kick-off.

He made the bold decision to give Phil Eastwood a full debut at Watford and Tuesday's tie at Lincoln saw Lee Howey filling in up front, stamping his Clarets debut with a powerful header. "We've missed Cookey but we've had to adapt as best we can," said Waddle.

"He is a boy with a lot of hunger and he has the ability to do well."

Fortunately for Gillingham they will be spared the power of his shooting boots at Turf Moor tomorrow.

Cooke scored twice in last season's home encounter when Burnley demolished the Kent club 5-1.

But the Clarets will have to brace themselves for another kick and rush barrage tomorrow.

Manager Tony Pulis has packed his side with extras from land of the giants.

Pulis did a superb job as Gillingham clinched 11th place just nine months after promotion from Division Three and they will be looking to consolidate further this time.

"We struggled at Burnley last season after having a player sent-off, and tomorrow will be a big test for my players," said Pulis.

"It is will be Chris Waddle's home league debut and their fans will be expecting a lot this season.

"They have quality in their ranks but it is up to us to go there and to try and frustrate them."

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