A BOUT of tonsillitis could prevent Chris Waddle making his Turf Moor debut tonight.....against the boys from Brazil, writes TONY DEWHURST.

South American outfit Gremio provide the backdrop for Waddle's possible entrance on home turf for a prestige friendly which looks sure to attract a bumper pre-season gate.

But the Clarets player-manager was confined to his sick bed this morning and assistant Glenn Roeder explained: "We will just have to see how Chris is before the kick-off.

"Obviously he wants to play but we are not going to risk him if he is not feeling 100 per cent.

"His throat was extremely sore this morning. If Chris cannot play he still hopes to be at the game."

News of Waddle's possible absence on the pitch will be disappointing news for Burnley fans who had hoped to see their new player-boss in action for the first time at Turf Moor since taking charge of the Clarets earlier this month.

But Waddle sent this appeal to Burnley fans : "The Brazilians are in town and I hope all our fans will take the opportunity to come along and have a look.

"They will see very technically skillful players and all the great natural flair and talent which Brazilian players possess.

"It promises to be quite a night because it gives our supporters the chance to see some of our new signings in action and I'm sure they'll give them a special welcome.

"The Brazilians are always likely to come up with something different and I'm sure there will be plenty of scouts at Turf Moor to watch their players. "Everybody saw that amazing free kick at the Le Tournoi tournament in France and you always sense their players are capable of conjuring up something special.

"All Brazilian teams are a treat to watch and it will give our players a completely different test."

Gremio only formed as a football club 21 years ago, but have progressed rapidly in the Brazilian League structure to become a leading Premier League side and won the World Club Championship in 1983. They underlined their status by reaching the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores - the South American version of UEFA's Champions Cup in June.

In the close season Gremio have seen several of their young stars move to Europe, most notably Brazil striker Paulo Nunes and defender Fernando Arce to Benfica and midfielder Emerson to German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

Fans are advised to buy tickets in advance for tonight's friendly and the fixture against First Division Manchester City this Saturday. £12 (£6 conc) for the North Stand Upper Tier; £10 and £5 for the North Stand Lower Tier and the Bob Lord Stand; £8 and £4 for the East Stand upper tier and £7 (no concessions) for the lower tier. Kick-off tonight is 7.45.

Colne Clarets Travel: Bookings for Watford, Lincoln, Southend. Details from Tony Bannister on 01282 864953 or Alan Beecroft on 01282 864147.

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