THE Clarets kick off what could be the season's most crucial phase with a home tie against mid-table rivals Plymouth on Saturday.

Burnley have half a dozen league games before the end of the year, and by the start of 1997 they need to be in touch with division two's leaders if they are to mount a realistic promotion challenge.

Brentford, on 31 points, are setting the pace at the top of the table, but Burnley's 20 puts them just four from the play-off places.

A string of two or three wins, or at least an unbeaten run of five or six, would do wonders for confidence at this stage.

Manager Adrian Heath has restored the team's settled look by persuading key players - most importantly keeper Marlon Beresford - to sign new contracts.

Heath also wants to bring a loan player as cover for the gap in central midfield caused by the break to Doug Hodgson's cheekbone last week.

A first-division player could arrive at Turf Moor if Dutch trialist Mel Schoenmakers is not given the all-clear for the job by his club, Heerenveen.

Burnley play at Preston on Tuesday (October 29).

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