Notts County v Burnley - Brian Doogan's big match preview

THOUGH the prospect of promotion is no longer a feasible dream for Burnley's players, they have much to play for tomorrow at Notts County.

And that will remain the case until the end of the season. With manager Adrian Heath making it clear that he is preparing a close season revamp, the message has not been lost on his players.

"Going down to Meadow Lane tomorrow for an end-of-season game against a team that's already been relegated, people might think we have nothing to play for," said Andy Cooke, the 22-year-old centre forward signed from Welsh non-league club Newtown two years ago.

"But we want to win - otherwise it's not worth playing. As a professional footballer, you've always got to do the best you can, week in, week out.

"You're playing for your place the week after. In our present situation we are playing for our futures at Turf Moor.

"Everyone knows he would like to strengthen the squad by bringing in new players.

"So I suppose we are all keeping a keen eye on what happens on the transfer front to make sure that our positions aren't threatened.

"And the best way to ensure that is to play well."

Cooke has performed well in recent months, filling the void left by the departure of Kurt Nogan to Preston North End. In the 10 league games since Nogan's inglorious end, he has found the net five times and struck up a productive partnership with Paul Barnes.

He has also recently signed a two-year extension to his Turf Moor contract.

"I think that's an indication that the manager must have some faith in me," said Cooke. "But at the same time you never feel that your place is guaranteed. You have to consistently work hard and perform.

"Obviously with Kurt Nogan going, I've had a run of games and been given the chance to show myself." His big breakthrough, however, has unfortunately coincided with Burnley's hopes of a play-off spot and possible First Division action next season being eliminated.

The emphatic nature of the Wycombe defeat, says Cooke, hurt much more than the players' professional pride.

"There was no excuse for a performance like that," he added.

"It was particularly difficult to accept after the run we'd had.

"The wins at Brentford and Walsall, defeat against Luton we didn't really consider a setback, and then Shrewsbury which really put a spanner in the works.

"But Wycombe was the absolute rock bottom.

"Against Notts County tomorrow and Watford in our last game, we'll be trying to exorcise some of those memories."

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