MARLON BERESFORD is out of tomorrow's make or break Division Two joust against relegated Rotherham United at Turf Moor, writes TONY DEWHURST.

The Clarets goalkeeper appears to be at least a week away from a possible return and reserve Wayne Russell is expected to deputise in a game Burnley must win to keep their play-off ambitions burning.

Beresford is facing surgery as soon as the season ends - but manager Adrian Heath is hoping that the experienced keeper will be able to play through the pain barrier at Notts County a week tomorrow.

"We've virtually ruled Marlon out of our plans and I'm around 90 per cent sure he will not feature against Rotherham. He is in some discomfort and the injury is troubling him. He should still play a part in the season, but it will probably be next week before he is in a position to play.

"If there is a dramatic improvement in his condition he might make it, but I really can't see it."

The Clarets chief absolved reserve team goalkeeper Wayne Russell of any blame for the 5-0 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers. Now Russell looks set for his seventh league start of the campaign.

Russell said: "The game at Wycombe was a nightmare and we are determined to go out and get the right result tomorrow for the fans who went there.

"I could understand if the supporters were still annoyed after such a depressing result but all the lads would just appeal for them to get right behind the team tomorrow. "We need them more than ever in a match we must win. We can still make the play-offs with a little bit of fortune."

Burnley go into the key fixture three points adrift of a play berth with their main rivals Watford - who face a awkward assignment at Wrexham - having a game in hand.

Watford, of course, are Burnley's opponents at Turf Moor a fortnight tomorrow.

Heath said: "We know what we have to do against Rotherham. We've three games left and we need maximum points. It is a clear equation for us.

"We are more than capable of doing it but we will have to show a massive improvement from Wycombe.

"I'm making decisions for next season in the next couple of weeks with a mind of who to let go and who to bring in.

"Obviously it depends on which division we are in, but certain players will need to impress me over the next three games or they will be out.

"Regardless of whether Rotherham are relegated, we will have to firing on all cylinders to beat them in what will be a pressure situation."

Heath will delay naming his line-up until tomorrow but had added Glen Little and Damian Matthew to his squad. Burnley from: Russell, Beresford, Parkinson, Vinnicombe, Brass, Hoyland, Winstanley, Harrison, Cooke, Eyres, Barnes, Thompson, Huxford, Smith, Guinan, Little, Matthew.

Rotherham from: Barnes, Pilkington, Bowman, Roscoe, Bain, Breckin, Dillon., Hayward, McGlashan, Landon, MacDougald, Garner, Dudejean, McKenzie, Pell, Hurst.

Burnley's scheduled reserve team fixture at Field Mill last night was called off late yesterday after Mansfield were unable to raise a team due to a crippling injury list.

The B team take on Crewe Alexandra at Gawthorpe tomorrow (11.00 am).

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