PAUL Barnes faces a late test before tonight's crunch encounter against Wrexham at Turf Moor.

Clarets boss Adrian Heath will give the ace marksman every chance to prove his fitness ahead of kick-off.

The 28-year-old record £300,000 signing from Birmingham was an ever-present in the Burnley side since arriving in September until an Achilles tendon injury ruled him out of Saturday's game at Plymouth.

With nine goals in 16 league games and having forged a profitable partnership with Welsh international Kurt Nogan, Barnes would be a huge bonus for Heath as the two form teams of the Second Division square off.

But Heath insists Barnes will have to be 100 per cent if he is to put him in the team.

"We won't risk him," said the Turf Moor chief.

"He'll be given every possible opportunity but if he's not right we won't take a chance.

"He'll have a test this evening and I'll be able to assess the situation then." Should Barnes fail to come through, Heath confirmed that Andy Cooke, who claimed Barnes' place on Saturday, will again partner Kurt Nogan up front.

The 22-year-old, who was signed from Konica League of Wales club Newtown for £40,000 in May last year, has been on the substitutes' bench for much of this season.

He has scored only one league goal in that time, a match he started against hometown club Shrewsbury.

His only other strike came in the 3-0 drubbing of Mansfield in the Coca Cola Cup.

Tonight could also give the bulk of Burnley fans their first chance to see former Glentoran star Glen Little, who arrived last week for £100,000, although he will not start the game.

"He'll feature in some form tonight," explained Heath. Burnley from: Beresford, Parkinson, Eyres, Harrison, Swan, Brass, Matthew, Weller, Smith, Nogan, Barnes, Gleghorn, Cooke. Subs from: Thompson, Overson, Hoyland, Little, Russell (GK).

Wrexham manager Brian Flynn has injury problems of his own.

Full back Deryn Brace, a Welsh under 21 international was taken off on Saturday with damaged ankle ligaments.

He was on crutches after the game and is likely to miss out tonight.

Matt McGregor will take his place at right back.

Wrexham from: Marriott, McGregor, Hardy, Hughes, Jones, Carey, Humes, Skinner, Russell, Connolly, Morris, Ward, Watkin, Chalk, Owen.

Despite the heavy overnight rain, there were no plans for an official pitch inspection although the situation is being monitored.

Striker Liam Robinson is making a steady return from injury and back in training also is defender Chris Vinnicombe.

Details of Burnley Supporters' Club's away travel to Walsall on Saturday for the Fa Cup second round tie: departs Colne, 10.30am, Nelson, 10.45, Burnley, 11.00, Rawtenstall, 11.15. Prices are £7 members, £8 non-members, £6 concessions, £5 under 12s.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.